Aftermath

Scarlett made it back to the apartment, blissfully unaware of Malachai's intentions, and immediately collapsed on her bed. What had she done? Would Thia forgive her if she came clean? How could she have known what she was involved in? There, alongside a thousand other recriminations, assaulted her as she curled into a little ball and shook for a while. After some time, she tried to slow her breathing and concentrate like Debwynn had taught her a year ago, and Mae before then.

"Get it together, Scarlett." She berated herself quietly as she attempted to control the shaking of her limbs. "Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it had nothing to do with Talbot or Annatar or any of it?" Even as the words left her mouth she knew she was only trying to lie to herself. They absolutely WERE connected, somehow she just knew that. Her eyes opened wide as she sat up.

Energy flooded her with endorphins as the cycle of shame shifted to its reckless cousin, foolish hope and bargaining.