Chapter 5

The darkness dripped—dark, black, lifeless water that stained the surroundings, creating a heaviness in the air. Instead of oxygen, there was darkness. There was nothing in sight, only a host of disturbing sensations digging into her nerves, penetrating her skin, eating away at her muscles and tendons, reaching down to her bones. Shadows loomed and surrounded the void. That black desert consumed everything around it.

Cinder shuddered; the feeling of being there and, at the same time, not being terrified her. She couldn't look at her body because it wasn't there; it was as if only her soul existed in the middle of that blackness. After agonizing moments of being unable to do anything but stay there, a rush of fresh air pinched her skin, scratching her heels. It was not until she looked down that she could see her own feet and the ashes beneath them. A cruel wind whipped up that dust, raising it around the brunette violently. When she realized the dust was hitting her hard, she understood that her body was there again, and she was no longer just an entity in the darkness. The storm of sand or ash whipped her, and she had to cover her face with her forearm. The force of the storm was overwhelming, and it would not calm down. She was afraid and couldn't defend herself from whatever it was.

"Enough!" she screamed through gritted teeth. "Please stop," she begged, choking on panic, and the storm immediately ceased.

With labored breathing, the brunette looked up to see how the black dust was now softly dancing around her and slowly changing to a crimson color, as if they were actually dancing fireflies. Cinder gulped audibly, dread still running through her body; she felt vulnerable.

"Do you believe in destiny?" a quiet but penetrating voice broke the silence.

"What?" 

"Do you believe in destiny?" it repeated.

"It's you." Her throat went dry when she recognized the sound of that voice, and of course, that phrase... she could never forget it.

"Do you believe in destiny?" the question was repeated.

"Are you trying to torment me?" Cinder exhaled. "You succeeded."

"You can change it."

"What?" She looked in all directions, trying to find the origin of the familiar voice that vibrated in the air, but the only thing she found was the crimson dust moving calmly around her. "I don't understand what you're talking about."

"You can still change it... you can save us." This time, the voice was more like a whisper, as if it was slowly moving away.

"I don't understand." Cinder's voice was devoid of anger or reproach; it was genuine, accompanied by deep pain. She looked down and observed her horrendous arm, flexing it on the spot. "Pyrrha... I—"

A burning sensation ignited her back, instantly tensing her. The brunette pulled her arm back, trying in vain to relieve the growing pain that lit up her skin. She fell to her knees, unable to do anything but roll around while her skin burned. It was that symbol on her back that felt like fire, as if it were made of volcanic lava. Moans of despair began to escape her lips, and the burn increased, consuming her.

"Believe in destiny." It was no longer a question.

When Cinder looked up, the crimson sand had moved forward, spinning and forming something like a tall figure. The brunette lay on the ground, dying in pain, but she still couldn't stop looking at the figure of a young warrior with a shield and sword. Her face, formed of dust, looked at her calmly. "You can change it."

She woke up with a start, slightly sweaty, with tears in her eyes. It was as if her body remembered the darkness, that feeling of flames on her back, and Pyrrha's voice echoing in her head. She had been tormented in that way for several weeks now. The emptiness and the voices haunted her constantly. Cinder suspected that it would never stop stalking her. She felt her face several times, sighing heavily, leaning her forehead on her hand to try to relax. Just then, she felt fingers touch her shoulder lightly—a caress to get her attention. Tessa looked at her with a mix of sadness and understanding, placing a jug of steaming hot tea next to her and sitting in front of her. The brunette had fallen asleep again in the armchair by the window.

"It will do you good," Tessa pointed out. Cinder nodded without paying much attention, looking at the ground distractedly. "Are you dreaming things again?"

"Yeah."

"It seems that it is getting worse." This time, the black-haired woman shrugged her shoulders as the only response and dared to take the jug to sip the hot liquid. "I have some psychologist colleagues who could help you." Cinder frowned in disgust and refused.

"I don't need to see a shrink," she warned but then sighed. "Besides, I'm afraid it's more complicated than that."

Tessa had a kind look; she never seemed to want to force Cinder into anything or judge her for her sins, but she had such intense and pure eyes that sometimes Cinder felt intimidated. She knew it was the same look as those she had killed. "You can talk to me if you prefer." Cinder looked at her reflection in the green liquid in her jug and immediately looked up at Tessa, knowing she could trust her.

"It's complicated."

"Try to explain to me."

"I... she's in my head."

"Who?"

"Pyrrha." A sharp pain shot through Cinder's chest as she felt a sudden hatred toward herself. "I've told you about her... about what I did to her."

"I remember." Tessa nodded, looking at her carefully.

"I feel it in here." Cinder pointed to her head with the jug. "It's like her soul is still there, telling me things, torturing me."

"What does it say to you?"

The black-haired woman frowned, remembering that atypical voice that used to overwhelm her thoughts. "She always talks to me about destiny. She told me this before she died, and she repeats it even after. Sometimes she says that I can change it. What I don't know is if any of what she says makes sense or if it's just in my head tormenting me."

"Maybe she's right."

Cinder's brow furrowed further, an annoyed expression settling over her, but it wasn't anger; it was just the irritating confusion she felt. "What do you mean?"

"Maybe you can change destiny." The brunette stood up and walked by Cinder's side, giving her a small, affectionate squeeze on her shoulder and offering a kind smile—one of those that only she knew how to give with sincerity, which made Cinder's heart bend more and more. "Let's go to the orchard; that always helps you." She walked away, giving Cinder enough time to compose herself and follow her.

Her gaze and hands were buried in the earth. She could feel the moisture of the soil touching her skin, and in a certain way, it was pleasant—fresh and wet, impregnating the environment with that natural smell. It was like a way to distract herself. Cinder liked to imagine that she stayed there, sinking into the earth, consumed to the bottom, reborn like the small flower buds that grew cheerfully toward the sun. They were life. Those buds were life, growth of hope, but Cinder felt more like the weed, the kind that couldn't die... even if it wanted to.

"How is the soil?" Tessa asked as she loaded some small plants into a box.

Cinder looked at her with a bored expression and shrugged. "Wet, but I don't think it's ready yet; the consistency isn't perfect. We should fertilize it more and let those disgusting bugs you use work on it."

"Do you mean worms?" Tessa asked, smiling.

"Yes, those disgusting worms that you make defecate on the ground."

Tessa laughed heartily, a genuine, natural laugh—a sound that Cinder liked and was determined to hear again. "It's called worm castings, and it's great for the soil, so I guess you're right," she said, blushing and amused. "Come on then, help me carry the other packed soil to the wheelbarrow along with the other plants."

Tessa had taught Cinder many things about botany, and in the following weeks, she dedicated herself to that—helping Tessa in her orchard and garden. If someone had told her that she would end up taking care of plants and worms, she probably would have beaten them until they bled, but there she was, enjoying her moments with the plants and the company of a strange ex-nurse who welcomed her into her home as if she were a lifelong acquaintance. It was very strange. Tessa was the only good thing in Cinder's life now, and she felt a deep gratitude toward that woman, which Cinder would not admit, because even for her, it was difficult to understand. She was simply at her mercy. She washed her hands and helped Tessa arrange her plants and soil in the wooden cart.

The darkness dripped, dark, black, lifeless water that stained the surroundings, creating a heaviness in the air. Instead of oxygen, there was darkness. There was nothing in sight, only a host of disturbing sensations digging into the nerves, penetrating the skin, eating away at muscles and tendons, reaching down to the bones. Shadows loomed and surrounded the void. That black desert consumed everything around it.

Cinder shuddered; the feeling of being there and at the same time not being terrified her. She couldn't look at her body because it wasn't there; it was as if only her soul was in the middle of that blackness. After agonizing moments of not being able to do anything but stay there, a fresh air pinched her skin, scratching her heels. It was not until she looked down that she could see her own feet and the ashes beneath them. A cruel wind rolled up that dust, raising it around the brunette violently. When she noticed that the dust was hitting her hard, she realized that her body was there again, and she was no longer just an entity in the darkness. The storm of sand or ash whipped her, and she had to cover her face with her forearm. The force of the storm was overwhelming, and it would not calm down. She was afraid and couldn't defend herself from whatever it was.

"Enough!" she screamed through gritted teeth. "Please stop," she begged, choking on panic, and the storm immediately went out.

With labored breathing, the brunette looked up to see how the black dust was now softly dancing around her and how it slowly changed to a crimson color, as if they were actually dancing fireflies. Cinder gulped audibly, dread still running through her body; she felt vulnerable.

"Do you believe in destiny?" a quiet but penetrating voice broke the silence.

"That?" 

"Do you believe in destiny?" it repeated.

"It's you." Cinder's throat went dry when she recognized the sound of that voice and, of course, that phrase... she could never forget it.

"Do you believe in destiny?" the question was repeated.

"Are you trying to torment me?" Cinder exhaled. "You succeeded."

"You can change it."

"What?" She looked in all directions, trying to find the origin of the familiar voice that vibrated in the air, but the only thing she found was the crimson dust moving calmly around her. "I don't understand what you're talking about."

"You can still change it... you can save us." This time, the voice was more like a whisper, as if it was slowly moving away.

"I don't understand." Cinder's voice was devoid of anger or reproach; it was genuine, accompanied by deep pain. She looked down and observed her horrendous arm, flexing it on the spot. "Pyrrha... I—"

A burning sensation ignited her back, instantly tensing her. The brunette pulled her arm back, trying in vain to relieve the growing pain that lit up her skin. She fell to her knees, unable to do anything but roll around while her skin burned. It was that symbol on her back that burned like fire, as if it were made of volcanic lava. Moans of despair began to escape her mouth as the burn increased; it was consuming her.

"Believe in destiny," it was no longer a question.

When Cinder looked up, the crimson sand had moved forward, spinning, forming something like a tall figure. The brunette lay on the ground, dying in pain, but still couldn't stop looking at the figure of a young warrior with a shield and sword. Her face, formed of dust, looked at her calmly. "You can change it."

She woke up with a start, slightly sweaty, with tears in her eyes. It was as if her body remembered the darkness, that feeling of the flames on her back, and Pyrrha's voice stomping in her head. She had been tormented in that way for several weeks now. The emptiness and the voices haunted her constantly. Cinder suspected that it would never stop stalking her. She felt her face several times, sighing heavily, leaning her face on her hand to try to relax. But then she felt fingers touch her shoulder lightly, a caress to get her attention. Tessa looked at her with a mix of sadness and understanding, placing a jug of steaming hot tea next to her and sitting in front of her. The brunette had fallen asleep again in the armchair by the window.

"It will do you good," she pointed out. Cinder nodded without paying much attention to her, looking at the ground distractedly. "Are you dreaming things again?"

"Yeah."

"It seems that it's getting worse." This time, Tessa shrugged her shoulders as the only response and dared to take the jug to take a sip of that hot liquid. "I have some psychologist colleagues who could help you." Cinder frowned in disgust and refused.

"I don't need to see a shrink," she warned but then sighed. "Besides, I'm afraid it's more complicated than that."

Tessa had a kind look. She never seemed to want to force her into anything or judge her for her sins, but she had such intense and pure eyes that sometimes Cinder felt intimidated. She knew it was the same look as those she had killed. "You can talk to me if you prefer." Cinder looked at her reflection in the green liquid in her jug and immediately looked up at Tessa, knowing she could trust her.

"It's complicated."

"Try to explain it to me."

"I... she's in my head."

"Who?"

"Pyrrha." A sharp pain went through Cinder's chest as she felt a sudden hatred towards herself. "I've told you about her... about what I did to her."

"I remember," Tessa nodded, looking at her carefully.

"I feel it in here." She pointed to her head with the jug. "It's like her soul is still there, telling me things, torturing me."

"What does it say to you?"

The black-haired woman frowned, remembering that atypical voice that used to overwhelm her thoughts. "She always talks to me about destiny. She told me this before she died and repeats it even after. Sometimes she says that I can change it. What I don't know is if any of what she says makes sense or if it's just in my head tormenting me."

"Maybe she's right."

Cinder's brow furrowed further, an annoyed expression ruling her, but it wasn't anger; it was just an irritating confusion she felt. "What do you mean?"

"Maybe you can change destiny." Tessa stood up and walked by her side, giving her a small, affectionate squeeze on her shoulder and offering her a kind smile—one of those that only she knew how to give with sincerity, which made Cinder's heart bend more and more. "Let's go to the orchard; that always helps you." She walked away, giving Cinder enough time to compose herself and follow her.

Her gaze and hands were buried in the earth. She could feel the moisture of the soil touching her skin, and in a certain way, it was pleasant—fresh and wet, impregnating the environment with that natural smell. It was like a way to distract herself. Cinder liked to imagine that she stayed there, sinking into the earth, consumed to the bottom, reborn like the small flower buds that grew cheerfully toward the sun. They were life. Those buds were life, a growth of hope, but Cinder felt more like the weed, the kind that couldn't die... even if it wanted to.

"How is the soil?" Tessa asked as she loaded some small plants into a box.

Cinder looked at her with a bored expression and shrugged. "Wet, but I don't think it's ready yet. The consistency isn't perfect. We should fertilize it more and let those disgusting bugs you use work on it."

"Do you mean worms?" Tessa asked, smiling.

"Yes, those disgusting worms that you make defecate on the ground."

Tessa laughed heartily, a genuine, natural laugh, a sound that Cinder liked and was determined to hear again. "It's called worm castings, and it's great for the soil, so I guess you're right," she said, blushing and amused. "Come on then, help me carry the other packed soil to the wheelbarrow along with the other plants."

The brunette had taught Cinder many things about botany, and in the following weeks, Cinder had dedicated herself to that—helping Tessa in her orchard and garden. If someone had told her that she would end up taking care of plants and worms, she probably would have beaten them until they bled, but there she was, enjoying her moments with the plants and the company of a strange ex-nurse who welcomed her into her house as if she were a lifelong acquaintance. It was very strange; Tessa was the only good thing she had in her life now. She felt a deep gratitude toward that woman, and Cinder would not admit it because even for her, it was difficult to understand. She was simply at her mercy. She washed her hands and helped Tessa arrange her plants and soil in the wooden cart. 

She looked at the foliage in the forest. It was a beautiful day, warm enough to enjoy the sun. That was why Tessa had decided to go to the village with her plants, since she used to sell them there. That was how she supported herself. Tessa secured all the plants, vegetables, and soil, preventing them from falling down the cobblestone path she used to pass regularly. For her part, Cinder covered her arm with the bandages again, securing them tightly so that not even the smallest part was left uncovered.

"You carry

 a lot of load."

"I have enough; don't worry about it," Tessa reassured her with a soft smile. "Many of the villagers have asked me about mint and sandalwood, so I want to bring enough for everyone."

Cinder finished securing her arm and stood still next to the wagon. With a disdainful look, she gazed at Tessa; she may have had her at her feet, but that didn't mean Cinder would always be weak before her. Anyway, she was Cinder Fall, one of the most feared and powerful warriors in existence. Tessa sketched a huge, angelic smile, then looked away, as if seeking something that wasn't that pretty face. Once again, she had lost the battle of glances she used to challenge Tessa; lately, she always lost, and if she were honest, she didn't care much.

"I'll accompany you. I'll drive the cart," Cinder said after clearing her throat. "I think it will be more efficient for you that way," she continued weakly.

"You don't have to do it."

"You know I've already recovered perfectly."

"I mean, do something you don't feel comfortable with." Cinder already knew that worried look very well, so she relaxed her face to assure Tessa that it wouldn't be like that.

"I'll be fine."

"Okay then; I could use some company on the road." The brunette relaxed, delighted, and walked to the cart, taking its sides to carry it. But she stopped when Cinder raised a hand in rejection.

"Get on the cart; I'll pull it."

"Cinder, that's quite a weight, and if I go up, it will be even more."

"I'm strong, you know that," Cinder explained. "I won't have a problem. I could lift you on top of me without any issue."

For a moment, Tessa watched her closely but said nothing. With a crooked smile and a strange look, she turned around and got on the wagon, leaving Cinder with reddened cheeks. Cinder slowly closed her eyelids, feeling quite stupid for her words, and tried to avoid Tessa's amused gaze. She turned quickly, taking the sides of the wagon and starting to walk with her heart beating fast.

Cinder was already starting to feel sorry. The villagers were very irritating—all kind and smiling. Tessa had to lift the cape of her outfit to avoid curious glances when they wanted to greet her. Cinder would not have cared about all that before; she was an expert in manipulating and pretending. If someone greeted or spoke to her, she could return the gesture without problems; she had trained to maintain the deception. But now, she was nothing more than a fist of anxiety and nervous energy walking. For each stand they passed, she always stayed behind Tessa, trying to avoid being spoken to. But the peasants insisted on bowing to her kindly, saying pleasant words to her. Were rural people always this affectionate? And Tessa, of course, was not far behind; she was happy and attentive to each of them. From time to time, they asked her about some medical ailment, and the brunette advised them or checked them with sympathy. Cinder felt increasingly uncomfortable because all that kindness reminded her of her own evil, and her chest hurt.

"We're almost done," Tessa caressed her hand calmly. "All that's left is Mrs. Zalka." She walked calmly to a textile stand where an old woman with gray hair and a wrinkled, kind face smiled at her.

"Mrs. Zalka!"

"Tessa, darling!" The woman hugged her.

"How is your throat?"

"I've been taking eucalyptus with honey before bed, just like you told me. I'm much better; I almost don't have a cough anymore."

"I'm glad to hear that. Don't stop taking it; that's why I brought you more." The brunette took out the bouquets wrapped in paper and a small bottle of pure honey that she had bought at another stand. The old woman looked at her with glassy eyes and smiled gratefully.

"You know I have no way to pay you."

"I'm not charging." She smiled kindly and changed the subject. "I have the land that your grandson needs for his tomato crops. Where do we put them?" Cinder straightened up after silently observing the entire exchange between the old woman and Tessa.

"Oh, right here behind her." Mrs. Zalka pointed to a small entrance behind her. "My grandson has been working in the fields; he will be very happy to see the land you brought."

"I'll take them," Cinder interrupted.

"Oh, and who is this young lady?" the old woman asked affectionately, as if she were asking about a little girl. She walked slowly up to the brunette, who shuddered with nerves at the thought of her seeing her face and how hideous she was—or worse yet, that she would recognize her from somewhere. So she did not answer immediately.

"She's my friend. Her name is Cinder." Tessa answered before the silence became awkward. "She's a woman of few words." She winked at her.

The old woman looked at Cinder for a short time, as if she saw something inside her and understood everything with a simple glance. Those old, tired eyes became maternal, and with a touch of tenderness, she smiled.

"Cinder is a beautiful name." She tilted her head without taking her eyes off Cinder, then smiled back at Tessa. "I like your friend, Tessa; she's also very pretty." There was a certain complicity in the phrase that made Cinder nervous. The brunette narrowed her eyes and cringed, feeling unable to make any comments. She turned around to carry the bags of dirt and get out of there soon. "You're a good girl."

Hearing that was worse for Cinder. The knot in her stomach worsened, making her nauseous, and she hurried to the place where she was told to leave the bags. Tessa watched her go without a word; she understood what it meant for Cinder. She knew that Cinder felt like nothing more than a monster for what she had done. She sighed apprehensively and smiled at the old woman.

"I have to go, Mrs. Zalka." She hugged her goodbye. "Tell Cinder that I'll wait for her at the exit of the town."

"I'll tell her, don't worry. Take care of yourself, dear." She patted Tessa affectionately. "It seems that you're doing her some good... that could also be good for you." The brunette smiled with her lips pressed together and walked away slowly so that Cinder could catch up with her when she finished.

Tessa moved forward for a short period, noticing that she was alone on the road and that the fog was getting thicker around her. Cinder did not appear anywhere; she felt something strange in the environment, like an unusual energy dancing, moving from one side to the other. Suddenly, she felt nervous, her heart beating erratically in her chest. She had to stop her steps; she had to go back for Cinder. Her mind screamed danger. Leaving the wagon aside, she ran, looking in all directions in search of the brunette. She stopped only until a small figure looked at her from the other side. Goosebumps prickled her skin, and she dared to speak. "Hello?"

Spotted by her slim figure, a young girl wearing a hat and what looked like a closed umbrella stood there. She didn't answer, but with marked slowness, she moved her parasol, pointing it at Tessa. A blade protruded from the tip along with a smile that adorned the girl's face. It was then that Tessa's heart beat faster. Everything happened very quickly; she wanted to run, but her feet got tangled, making her fall immediately. In the blink of an eye, she saw the girl jump in an inhuman way, rising over her. She closed her eyes, exhaling in terror, waiting for the imminent impact, waiting for pain or immediate death. But it never came. She was just there, listening to her own labored breathing. Little by little, she opened her eyes, managing to visualize Cinder's back in front of her, surprised. She dared to look completely.

Cinder held Neo's parasol in both hands, a sharp and sinister look challenging the younger girl, who undoubtedly returned the rage. "Neo... don't even think about touching her," Cinder growled, clenching her jaw. The teenager frowned, struggling even more. She quickly kicked Tessa's side hard to get her away, but Cinder took Tessa with her, managing to distance her from the brunette. They rolled several meters. Cinder had to dodge a few blows to the face before being able to catch her breath.

She gave Tessa a quick glance to check on her well-being, managing to avoid a kick with her knee. Cinder had decided that she had to get away from Tessa before she got hurt. She avoided a few more blows, but the young woman managed to land a fairly accurate one in Cinder's stomach with the handle of the umbrella, pushing her back. Cinder had to return the blows; she could no longer just avoid them, or Neo would take total advantage over her.

She jumped forward, delivering a dry blow on the edge of the umbrella, forcing Neo to take a few steps back. The two-colored-haired girl smiled interestedly, which Cinder quickly took advantage of. She threw quick kicks and punches, forcing Neo to bounce back, not giving her a break. When she noticed that the teenager was trying to create space, Cinder threw an accurate blow. The girl barely avoided it by dematerializing, thanks to her abilities. When Neo tried to defend herself with a kick, Cinder grabbed her by the leg, throwing her into the air. She gracefully avoided the fall, helped by her efficient umbrella.

As soon as she hit the ground, Cinder propelled herself forward, shoving Neo through an old window and tumbling into an alley that led out of town. In a flash, Neo vanished, dissolving into the air as she activated one of her tricks. The fog thickened once more around them.

"Good trick," she murmured, scanning her surroundings. She knew she had to stop Neo, but she also understood that it wouldn't be easy; the teenager was clearly intent on finishing her off, and Cinder suspected she knew why. "You've become strong," she remarked, noticing a flicker of energy behind her. Instinctively, she launched a small fireball, which Neo effortlessly deflected as she reappeared.

Anger and pain etched themselves on Neo's face, and Cinder felt a wave of disgust wash over her. It was clear that Neo sought revenge for the death of her boss. "I'm not here to fight you, so just go away," she said, gesturing dismissively, trying to push her away as guilt gnawed at her insides. In response, Neo lunged forward, forcing Cinder to summon swords of fire for defense.

"That's enough, Neo!"

She attempted to evade, but the other girl pressed on relentlessly, attacking from every direction. There was no way to defend against the flurry of strikes coming at her from all sides and when Neo landed a solid hit to her eye, Cinder's anger ignited. With a surge of power, she unleashed a whip of energy that sent the younger girl sprawling several meters back.

"I said stop! " Cinder shouted as she levitated above Neo, her eye glowing with anger. She could finish this now; it would be as easy as snapping her fingers. But a voice inside her stirred, bringing back memories of a girl with red hair, making her grimace. She looked at Neo, who appeared terrified, a scared, hurt, and lonely girl. Cinder's anger dissipated, replaced by self-loathing. Neo may have attacked her, but that didn't change the fact that she was also a victim of circumstance. "You can change destiny," echoed in her mind, as if someone were hammering the message into her. A pang of pain filled her chest, extinguishing the fire in her gaze. Neo stared back, horrified, as if seeing a ghost.

"I didn't kill Roman," Cinder's voice softened as she looked at Neo carefully. "But it's my fault... I forced him to work for Salem... to work for me." She paused, her expression grim. "None of this would have happened if I hadn't pushed him into it."

Neo's gaze shifted from fear to pain in an instant. It was clear she was holding back from attacking again, but there was more pain than anger in those two-colored eyes.

"The woman you attacked earlier has nothing to do with this, Neo. She's innocent—leave her alone." Cinder sighed in surrender, her expression sad and weary, her spirit no longer wanting to fight. "If it makes you feel better... kill me." She showed her unarmed hands. "I promise I won't fight anymore, not for me."

Neo opened her mouth in shock, struggling to comprehend what she had just heard. Tempted, she took a couple of steps toward Cinder, but the pain only intensified as she saw the weariness and regret in the older woman's gaze. For the first time in a long while, Neo felt that same regret weighing on her, the edges of her eyes stinging with tears she tried to hold back. She clenched her jaw and closed her eyes, allowing the tears to fall. When she met Cinder's gaze again, she remained silent, shaking her head a couple of times before turning around and disappearing into the fog.

Cinder watched as Neo disappeared, letting out a deep breath that felt heavy in her chest. Tears threatened to spill over, and her knees buckled as she sank to the ground. In that moment, she realized she had wanted Neo to kill her; the thought had been stark and undeniable. It was a death she seemed to long for. A distressing cry suddenly pulled her from her thoughts.

"Cinder!" Tessa shouted, rushing toward her, fear and concern etched on her face. She fell to her knees beside Cinder, desperate to check for injuries, running her hands over her arms, shoulders, and neck. "Cinder, for heaven's sake! Are you okay?" 

When Cinder didn't respond, Tessa shook her gently. "Talk to me!" she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. Slowly, Cinder nodded, pulling herself out of her trance.

"Yes, I am," Cinder replied, her simple answer calming Tessa's racing heart. She breathed through small sobs as her hand found its way to Cinder's neck. Their gazes locked, and it felt overwhelming, so they leaned in, foreheads touching. Tessa released another shaky breath. "He didn't hurt me."

Cinder nodded, grateful. "I didn't hurt him either."

"I know," Tessa reassured her, keeping their foreheads pressed together. Cinder swallowed hard, leaning into Tessa's gentle touch, reflecting on everything that had just happened, wishing things could be different.

"I really hope Neo is okay," Cinder murmured, her heart heavy with that wish.

[T/N: If you like this chapter then leave a comment, write a review, and drop some stones. If you want to read a few advanced chapters then check out the P@treon.]

[Also check out my other books, either go to my profile or search up 'Invisible-a Harry Potter FanFic', 'Searching in the Abyss', or 'Omnitrix of Justice'.]

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