>>6337649“And—” you try to add, only for Carnaval to click her tongue. She sets her finger against her lips and falls silent, as you three do.
A chill hunch bites you in the stomach and you stand up, pushing away both Rubida and Soralisa.
“Stay back,” you instruct, making sure to underline it with a stern look.
This time, they do as you say with no hesitation, even if Soralisa looks like she is about to melt and Rubida’s cheeks might start glowing in the dark like Carnaval’s feathers.
Carnaval stands aside.
From the opening in the cell slide in men and women, all of them wearing their red robes. The same that cowed and hid from Carnaval’s fury, now walking with their heads held high, as if they were protected from any sort of retribution, as if they owned all the thoughts in the Sun-Birther’s head.
And then Astoria comes in.
Bandaged head to toe, but her smile is as sharp and as feverish as always.
How long has it been since that night when you trembled under her blind gaze, in the carriage, glancing at a Soralisa laying there, between life and death?
Just a few cycles, really.
You hated her. Your burnt hand pulsates again, remembering that flames that destroyed it.
And yet, in the way she looks at you with her empty gaze, her empty orbits behind the blindfold, the shiver of triumph coiling around her body—you see how certain she is that she has won.
And your pity swallows your anger like the tide covering a candle.
Just another puppet, just another tool. One foolish enough to think she is greater than the hand that carries it.
All that remains is bitterness, settling in your stomach.
You faced Rosandra.
You met one of the Sisters.
You walked with the Adversary in her own memories.
Astoria opens her mouth.
And you open yours.
<span class="mu-r">“Glad you could come. I got my hand burned though, not my legs.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Please, let more Amaranthines come in. As many as you want, until you feel safe enough.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“At last. I had asked for a change of clothes and all I received was carrots and honey.”</span>
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somewhat shorter update. Argia's patience is running low, and Astoria is on top of the list of people who shouldn't pester her... 