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The room felt like it was spinning. Your north star, your anchor was gone, and-
<span class="mu-s">“Cindy? Are you alright?”</span>
Your breathing halted, and you looked at Young in alarm, surprised that you could even hear her through the pounding of blood in your ears. How long had she been calling your name? How long had you been quiet for? Why was everyone looking at you?
Ben grabbed your arm, and you very nearly jumped. He kept a firm grip, and you fought to get your breathing under control. It was then that you realized your claws were digging into your flesh again, drawing blood.
Ben used his own sleeve to wipe it off of your hand, and you almost wanted to apologize for making him do that. But instead, you relaxed your breathing, slowed your heart rate, and smoothed your tail out. The hairs were all standing on end, as if you were some sort of startled cat. Maybe that wasn't such an inaccurate description.
Everyone waited patiently for you to calm, which might have been the most humiliating part of it. It made you feel fragile, like you were made of glass, and all the monsters that you came here to impress needed to coddle you.
You mentally chastised yourself for letting your control slip, and smoothed out the hair on your head, accidentally grazing your vulpine ears with the tips of your fingers.
You searched the expressions of everyone in the room. Ana was a reassuring presence beside you, waiting for you to pull yourself together and regain your footing. Ben apparently didn't appreciate her attitude towards the situation, and didn't bother to hide it.
Young was clearly worried for your well-being, which was heartening. Delphyne had all of her eyes on you, but was watching more out of curiosity than concern. Garth was…well, Garth. Carnelian remained stubbornly stoic on the outside, not giving any indication of his true thoughts or feelings. You hoped that he was still capable of empathizing with you.
But the person who gave you pause was Wilhelmina. Her gaze had softened somewhat, and you saw something in her that you hadn't before. It looked like pity.
Pity for the scared, confused girl that you let show. The girl that you were purposefully pretending NOT to be. You'd shown weakness, and you hated yourself for it.
But…a part of you felt that your feelings were entirely valid. After all, it wasn't everyday that you met a reaper. And the experience was far more unpleasant than you had ever anticipated it would be.
<span class="mu-s">“Sorry. Sorry. I don’t know what happened there.”</span> you said, watching the wound close up on your hand, before returning your attention to the room. <span class="mu-s">“It's been…a day.”</span>
Deep breaths, Cindy Moon. You're a big girl. You can do this.
<span class="mu-i">“That it has.”</span> Carnelian said, a bit of sympathy showing through his stoic mask.
<span class="mu-s">“Thank you all for waiting. And thank you for…bringing these brave warriors to help me in my mission.”</span> you said, gesturing at the three.
(Cont.)
