A Brand New Life For A Wilting Flower

Watching them disappear from her vision Katrin lingered for a moment before turning to a nearby pillar.

"You can come out now, you don't need to hide anymore."

Talking to the wind she waited for the person to come out. After a moment a woman locked in handcuffs came into view. Hazel didn't really understand what was happening but Katrin was the person currently keeping her alive so it was best to listen to her. She always wondered why the Queen kept her alive, to everyone here she was the enemy. If she planned to set her free then she couldn't even go back home, that place was no longer under Delfex's control. Everything was so pointless however she couldn't find it in her to want to face death head on.

"Why did you bring me here and ask me to hide? Did you just want to gloat or something? I don't get it."

Pursing her lips Katrin knew Hazel was probably confused, it made sense given the situation.

"Let me ask you something, do you hate Xilo?"

Trying to find any tricks in Katrin's words Hazel seriously thought she was just being messed with. She couldn't find anything though and that only edged on her suspicion. "Whatever." Her answer probably didn't matter regardless so it was best to just say what was on her mind, the worst had already happened. Hazel saw two things whenever she studied Hazel. A girl that was already dead on the inside, with her life slipping away. The second thing she saw was a girl with a passion rumbling beneath her skin. It wanted to erupt and bloom into a beautiful flower.

"I think I do hate him, he took away the home I had. Even if it was my fault it still frustrates me."

Leading Hazel on Katrin continued.

"Oh, do you hate Tearia then as well?"

"Yes, she was the beginning of our downfall. If it wasn't for her none of this would have started."

"Good, good. I like your answers. It seems our wilted flower has some life in her after all. That makes me happy to see."

Hazel felt the hair on her skin rise as she heard Katrin talking. "She seems happy." Shrinking back Hazel felt afraid at the moment. She was positive that she was just being toyed with for the fun of it. The shackles around her body stopped her from moving any further back. Hitting the large pillar behind her Hazel heard Katrin begin to laugh. The air grew colder as her body shivered trying to protect itself. Katrin was a different kind of danger than Xilo. "She's kind of like Hunter." Recalling his lifeless corpse Hazel didn't feel anything for his death. Katrin took something out of her pocket as she presented it to Hazel.

"Why are you asking me these things and what are you holding?"

Hazel tried her best to push those words out.

"I asked you those things because I wanted some information...of sorts. It's not really a big deal and there's no need to feel afraid. I don't want to hurt you, trust me. I do however have one more question I'd like to ask you. How would you feel if I killed you and made you start anew with a power you could only dream of. Don't overthink it, just give me your honest answer that comes straight from your heart."

Hazel felt her heart rate speed up intensely as she saw Katrin's smile, she had thought Xilo was a devil in his own right but now she found another. She was tempting her with a fruit that cost a hefty price. "A power I could only dream of?" After seeing Tearia for the first time, Power was something Hazel had chased after without ever being able to find it. "Death..." Looking at her currently bruised body that had been scarred by Xilo she knew her current body was worthless. "What exactly am I holding on to?" As that question flashed by her hand Hazel made up her mind. She didn't know what was going to happen but she was prepared for anything.

"If death is what it takes for me to get power...then so be it."

Hearing Hazel's agreement Katrin's smile grew wider, this was the reason why she had decided to keep Hazel alive and take her away from Xilo.

"Good choice, this collar I'm holding, take it from me and put it around your neck. Once you do, your choice will be set in stone. There will be no going back no matter what you do. Your will, Thoughts, body will all belong to one thing

alone."

Staring at the collar intensely Hazel registered Katrin's words as she reached out.

"I don't know what you're planning Katrin, nor do I really care. I just want one thing, I'll take this stupid collar and show the world...a new me."

Grasping the Metal in her hands she felt the cold go straight to her bones as she lifted up her hair. With a slow precision Hazel heard her breathing right next to her ears. "This is it." Blood pumped all around her body as she touched her neck. Feeling a little tickle of pressure Hazel wrapped it around her neck. The final step was to lock it into place herself. "Whatever it takes." Moving the lock forward Hazel felt it fasten around her neck as multiple needles punctured her throat. Before she could even react, liquid dripped out of the needles into her body freezing her body and breathing. Katrin watched as Hazel's body dropped to the ground without making any more movement.

"Let's get along well from now on Hazel...or should I give you a new name now?"

Katrin was excited to see just what kind of flower bloomed.

"Once the effects of that injection wear off, you'll be a brand new person and get exactly what you want. With a little effort of course.