Out of memory

30 minutes later

Time resumed.

Lucian blinked, shaking his head as a strange sense of disconnect washed over him.

Something felt off.

Something was wrong.

But before he could process it, his eyes landed on Rose

Tears.

Her face was streaked with them.

"What's happening? Are you crying?"

Lucian's voice was laced with concern as he stepped toward her.

Rose's body stiffened.

"Ahh no, no, I'm not!" She hurriedly wiped her tears, her hands trembling ever so slightly.

Her heart was still pounding so much had happened during the time stop.

She felt drained.

Exhausted from the mental battle between Olivia and Celestia.

From Celestia's brutality.

From what she almost had to do.

But

Lucian couldn't know.

No one in this room had any idea what just happened.

She forced a weak smile, her voice light. "No, really, it's just... my back hurts."