Violet: One Slap Changes Everything

Violet could see the glow of colours filling the sky, magnificent ribbons of orange and rose. It seemed like mockery that Mother Nature would provide such a display of beauty while her life was collapsing before her eyes.

On she ran, until she was breathless and her ribs ached.

When Violet eventually found Ilse and Leo, she could only stand by and watch while they argued. They were in one of the green, cobblestoned courtyards linking the main flower gardens and the pathway to the training grounds. It was a quaint, pretty backdrop to what looked like an ugly quarrel.

She stood a little distance away and behind a small arbour, straining to listen but not quite close enough to catch their words. She could only pray the truth would prevail.

But Violet could see their expressions and agitated gestures. She saw Leo's befuddled, nervous frown as he obviously tried his best to defend himself.