When I gazed out the window, I deeply wanted to travel back in time. I stared at the woods, the occasional heavenly creature of Sanctus that would pass by, the bugs, the birds-everything I may never see again. Even the children and my former visitors. I definitely would never see them again, and I know my disappearing into the Undying would make this significantly worse... forever being something I'd have to inevitably experience time and time again. I knew one day I'd do this same scene but out of a different window. It made my heart feel tightened as if it would burst apart.

"It's coming soon, isn't it?" Bellamy's solemn voice emerged from behind me, slowly moving around to face me, asking it as if he'd read my thoughts. Even though he asked it, he already knew the answer, likely asking in hopes for a different one. I deeply wished that I could offer it.

Knowing him, when he saw my expression he knew immediately what lurked in my mind. "Yes, it is," I answered. "I'm sorry that you'll have to take care of this place without me." I turned away from the open window, feeling the breeze fade ever-so-gently from my face, and turned to him. With a reassuring smile, or at least I hoped it was, I added, "You'll have someone new here eventually to give you company. The loneliness won't be for long." One of my younger siblings would likely visit him, and maybe the reason would tie into their relief that they wouldn't have to bear what I would soon, thus being guilt. It didn't matter as long as Bellamy had company.

"You know I don't want someone else here." I did know that. Still, having someone new, maybe someone more lively than I would be better for him. Over the years, he only had me, and this arrangement came to be the only one he grew accustomed to. The House of Wardein held this lonely fate as guardians of the Sequentess. Though he entered into this knowing this day would come, I couldn't help but still feel guilty for the feelings I'd leave behind. "You may not want it now, but things will change over time, Bellamy."

He didn't respond for a little while, and in that time it felt like an overwhelming weight kept pressing down on my chest, making it hard to breathe. I didn't want this to happen even more than he did, but how did I ever think this was okay for him? I let the Ministry send him to me out of my own desire for a companion, and ignorance... My heart beat with solemn thuds in my chest. My own mind called me horrible names.

"When will you go?"

"Anytime. When Valterri summons me, the Undying will begin. He gave me this week to get everything sorted," I replied.

He stared at me, teeth slightly bared and his eyes set in a glare that wasn't directed at me in particular. The more I analysed his expression, the more guilt tore into my soul. He had darkened bags under his eyes from the countless nights he most likely spent awake, probably trying to think of how I could avoid this and how he could make my last days here enjoyable. Truly, he'd made this situation somewhat bearable.

His hands clenched and unclenched a couple times as his face slowly relaxed. "Has no one contacted you...? No, rather, have you told anyone that it's soon?"

"No, I haven't, though I imagine Raine might have let the news slip at some point. Personally, I don't want to worry anyone," I answered. I gave him a smile and approached, pulling him into a hug. "I'm really thankful for everything that you've done for me, Bellamy. Besides from anyone Raine has told, I've only told you since you've been by my side all this time."

I pulled away from his warmth and looked up at him. More than anything right then, I had to face his pain. "They're going to be so upset that they couldn't see you off," he continued, eyes lowered to meet mine.

"I know that may be the case... I really do. I just can't tell them." I never wanted to hurt anyone by this circumstance. I only wanted to save them the pain of seeing me in my final moments. I've watched many of my recent followers grow up and start lives of their own. I've seen their parents age, even their grandparents, and even some of their great-grandparents age as well. I've never liked endings.

Maybe I didn't choose it for their sake but my own. I didn't want to have that feeling and know I'd be leaving them with what I've experienced numerously. It wouldn't, absolutely, be my end, but they'd never see me again, and they'd know what I would go through. Bellamy would be more deeply affected by this especially, but I just couldn't bring myself to meet them, see the potential joy in reuniting, only to force that knowledge down their throat. And this all boiled down to the fact that I couldn't bear to be the one that would be able to escape the feeling that'd come with my end. They'd have to hold onto that and the memories.

"That's a bit selfish, Master." Before I could hide the shock that flushed my face, he registered it and fumbled for words as if he made a very grave mistake. He hadn't said something of that nature to me in a long time, and every time my heart had dropped. I would already know it, but for someone that wouldn't say something so blatantly like that to express it just double-downed on my regret. "I'm so sorry."

I shook my head slowly. "There's no need to continue this conversation, Bellamy. Could you get me something to drink? And eat, too. I haven't had anything to eat in a while."

With a brief run of his hand through his naturally grey hair, lips slightly ajar as if there was something left for him to say, he reluctantly left the room.

I didn't want Bellamy to go through this. All of the emotions running through me, the ice in my veins-all of it devastated me. I wanted to rip my soul out of my flesh, go back in time, and disassociate myself from everyone. I knew my fate, and though they did too, I could have done so much more to avoid all of the inevitable hardness that'd stick with me. Bellamy never wanted me to be crushed by loneliness and so he bound himself to me, but I should have refused.

I moved to the couch and sat, waiting for the door to open. I counted the seconds, eyes gazing out the nearby window. My eyes travelled from the window to look at the rest of my surroundings, and, for the first time, I attempted to thoroughly examine everything around me, from the old to the new-everything ordinary. Until now, I never thought about taking it in or playing through the memories that resided in this room or any of the other rooms.

Decades ago, children ran around this room. Lights hung from the walls as if it had been a part of holiday decorations. Laughter filled the halls, and it seemed like someone, even multiple people, lived here. What remained of those times were boxed away or as pictures in dusty frames. Some cobwebs hung in corners and in splotches on the ceiling. It felt stagnant. Shutters were closed except for the one near the couch and the mansion itself stayed hid away behind towering trees with unkempt pathways leading to the entrance. My home, despite my presence and that of Bellamy's, became abandoned over time. Darkness and silence became close friends.

Now that I thought about it, there existed no reason to bring others into the affair regardless. Just like this home of mine, I, too, would be forgotten. Strangely, that fact comforted me, mainly since some would be freed from acknowledging that I would soon be gone. The more my eyes traipsed the armoires and cabinets topped with vases and pictures, the more resolute I became in my decision.

"Master, are you alright?" I faced Bellamy who stood in the doorway with his hands wrapped around the handle of the cart.

"Oh, don't worry about me, Bellamy. I appreciate your service," I answered gently, but my response seemed to remind him of what he didn't want to think about at the moment. I needed to start choosing my words more wisely. The more I announced my appreciation, the more it'd plague his mind. "I apologise. I can't keep reminding you of it."

"Say what you desire." He pushed the cart to me and began setting some of the plates on my end and the other side of the coffee table. At first glance, I'd figured the other was for him, but the more I stared at the setting before me, the more I realised that someone else had decided to give me a visit. Faces flipped through my memories.

"Cherin is here," he answered, reading my expression. "She wants to discuss... it." His lips tightened, and I wondered if the cause fell under frustration or the attempt to hide some anger. Whenever Cherin arrived, only bad occurrences followed, and is, ultimately, what led to the emptiness in my home.

"You don't have to be here for that."

"I don't know what she'll attempt to do. I'm going to stay."

"Bellamy-"

"I am your servant. I'm not sure why I have to remind you of this. Have no concern for me."

I couldn't pressure him out of his decision. If he wanted to be here to calm at least this concern, then that should be, at least, granted. "So be it, Bellamy. If it becomes too distressing, then don't force yourself here. I can handle myself, too."

Without responding, he moved his cart to the corner and sat in the isolated chair near the door just as Cherin entered. "If you try anything-" he began, brows pulled together as he sneered.

"Silence, boy. If I was here to fight, I wouldn't have bothered knocking." She pushed some of her curled, blonde hair behind her shoulders and evened her daisy white hood. "How nice of you to provide desserts."

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Oh." Seated, she began picking at the tarte tatin with a fork. "Down to business already? How serious." She shook her head and jabbed her fork in the direction of one of the desserts. "What's this one?"

"Orange-Cardamom Madeleines."

"Thank you." With a bite, she continued. "I'm here because I'd like to discuss what's going to happen to your boy and property."

"My boy?"

She took another bite before responding. "Are you not as concerned about your property?"

"My property does not mean that much to me. However, to shorten the conversation a bit, I decided that I'm going to leave my home to Bellamy since he has shared it with me for a very long time."

Tickled, Cherin erupted into laughter, tears almost lining her green eyes. "To your servant? Are you kidding me, Thea? What happened to your status?"

"What does that have to do with me rightfully handing it over to someone that has taken care of it longer than you have been alive?"

The laughter abruptly stopped. She only motionlessly stared at me. I could imagine why; the idea of someone leaving a property to a caretaker was, certainly, unfathomable due to her upbringing. She wouldn't be able to grasp the connection if I had written a book on the topic and delivered it to her in-person.

After several moments of silence, she let the words finally form. "Sequentess," she started slowly, "I'm disappointed in you."

I had no idea as to why she'd assume I'd hand her what had been mine by saying such things, especially as she sat on my couch, but, nevertheless, she said it. The more she talked, the more it bothered me.

"Cherin..." Bellamy roared. I could hear him lift himself from the chair, intention clear in the immediacy of his movement. He intended on personally escorting Cherin from the premises. I doubted he wanted to let her inside to begin with, instinct telling him the potential outcomes, but formality shoved it aside.

I quickly raised my hand to halt him. If he acted now, it'd only worsen the situation at a later point in time. Violence leading to obtaining this place would make others bark out suspicions. "I don't care for the way you're speaking to me. I'm not sure if you've forgotten that you're still practically a child in comparison to how long I've lived." I watched her eyes turn into hate-filled slits as I put together my thoughts. "If you're taking status to heart and so sincerely, then who are you, a child, to dictate what is not only in my best interests but what I can and should do? Who are you to question me?"

"Thea-" she started, jaw tightening. I could see her playing results in her mind on how this situation could go, but I saved her the time by shaking my index finger at her.

"You know nothing of status," I continued. "You only know of pampering. Bellamy, who is not a boy but a man, mind you, is a living being just as you are with opinions, wisdom, and so many other qualities that make up a person with sentience. Even better, he also has proper manners." To that, her body twitched as if it took absolute willpower to keep it in place. It trembled, hands clenching to convey what she really wanted to do. She knew, absolutely knew, where my small speech traversed and would end.

"Stop, right now. You have no idea-" There's no point in letting her finish. She should have known where this would go before she ever arrived.

"In terms of being living beings, you're equals. I offer property on the foundation of being a living being, and what warrants it for me. Status is not a part of my considerations. Now, Cherin..."

I watched her face contort, teeth bared like she'd rip me apart. Her eyes widened with each word I spoke and then would narrow again, face undeciding on how it actually wanted to display the heat travelling through her. She still remained incapable of handling her emotions well and elegantly despite valuing control and elegance above much else.

"If you won't act appropriately in my home, then Bellamy can send you on your way, and, if need be, show you that while he is, indeed, my servant and so much more, you are not superior to him in any actual way beyond your birthrights. His heart is of gold, his strength is phenomenal, and intelligence is noteworthy. There is much you can learn from him if only you'd open your eyes and take your fingers out of your ears."

Behind her eyes, she likely plotted and played scenarios of her obtaining what she wanted, whether it was through violence or somehow wit. Moments in the past, she often used the excuse of training to try to kill both Bellamy and me in hopes of being renowned for something. I had no doubt that her imagination even now created murder. I understood the cliched nature of my speech, but she had the personality that epitomises a villain.

"No, my dear. How dare you come into my home and spew such nonsense? I may be really old, but I am not even close to being ignorant. You have a lot to learn, and you don't deserve even a millimetre of my home let alone my time which you're currently wasting. I'll be sure to inform Valterri that everything is being given to Bellamy upon my departure."

Hands balled up into fists, she rose from the couch, body positioning into one that appeared offensive. Would she try to attack me right now and absolutely ruin any possibility of contesting the transfer?

Before she could make a bold move, or even structure a scene in her head, Bellamy instinctively placed himself between the two of us. "I believe it is time for you to go, Cherin. You have no place here any longer. Leave."

"You both will be gone, anyway. This was all pointless."

"Is that a threat?" Bellamy's posture matched hers, but his sheer power caused the room to shake, allowing the echo of porcelain hitting porcelain to make its way around.

Rather than continue what she started, she made her way out, Bellamy marching behind her to ensure she exited completely. The annoyance finally ended after an unnecessary conversation. Even though relief followed, I still couldn't help but pity Cherin. She didn't become the way she was by simply choice, but her upbringing largely contributed to the development of her behaviour. The perennial spoiling only served to make a monster, especially in a society that tended to favour class over merit. Regardless of the causes, I'd never hand over something like my home, even if she did spend springtime at my state a long time ago.

Roughly five or so minutes after, Bellamy returned, an angered expression nearly tattooed onto his skin. "I can't believe she came here just for that. She's never been so blatant."

"Well, Bellamy, I'd say the girl is desperate. I'll be gone soon, and she may not have a chance like the one she had here."

"Cherin is greedy. How did she even expect you to hand it over to her over one of the others in the new generation, in any case? She's done very questionable actions to us in the past, to add. What made her think she'd choose you over one of your younger siblings? Lourdes or Maccabi would treat this place and others far better than she's ever have or ever would."

"I, honestly, don't know. She never actually got the chance to say what she had intended to say." He sighed, habitually running his hand through his hair to release some of the tension in his body.

"At least she's gone."

"For now," I reminded him. "You might have to deal with her again eventually."

"Probably. I wonder if her mother pushed her into this. I don't recall her striving to get this land before."

I thought about it a moment, envisioning the tall woman with curlier hair than Cherin prowling around the mansion, but the image didn't fit. Every time Kairy, Cherin's mother, had visited, she wanted to leave the moment she stepped inside. It looked too old for her tastes and "had an ancient smell" too.

"Not her mother," I noted. "Her father is the likelier choice. He's showed interest before."

"That's true, I guess." He rubbed his chin in thought. "I suppose there isn't much to do about it now."

"I'll make out a will," I stated, my mind forming the details as I spoke. "That should guarantee the protection of this land."

"A... will? You'd go that far? You're not dying!"

"Bellamy, you're thinking too much about it. I'll only write one to make sure you're taken care of when I'm not here to do it in person."

His hand, once again, found its way through his hair. "If you wish..." Defeated, he looked away.

"Don't worry too much about what I do. What you should worry about is what they might try to do to you, though."

He slowly blinked at me. "What?"

"Well, Cherin is impulsive. She doesn't get that from my aunt."

"Are you saying Vegard might do something to me?"

"I don't really know what he's capable of doing. I was reading a book once and in the story the greedy younger brother actually tried to kill everyone that got in his way."

"Oh."

"Personally, I thought the author used too many cliches, but it's actually a decent read if you want to get into it."

"Did the main character make lengthy speeches too that sounds like common sense?"

"Well, I never really thought about it," I admitted. Plain-faced, he shook his head, an intensely long sigh emerging from his lips.

"If you don't need me for anything else, I believe I'll go and collect my thoughts."

"I understand, and thank you for everything that you've done for me."

He moved his lower jaw around, absently staring, and finished with a sigh. "I'd do it all over again," he told me. He bowed, turned, and headed out of the room without another word, avoiding even my gaze as he departed. To me, it appeared to be a drained movement. Stiff and slight.

I listened to the ticking of the clock for over an hour, fighting against my thoughts, when Bellamy returned. Face pained more than before, I knew the exact cause. "Valterri called for you."

"Oh, the call arrived very soon..."

"Too soon," he mumbled. He looked like a hurt puppy. "Are you sure you can't reject the role, Thea?"

He'd asked that shortly before we'd gotten the letter, but I started to give the same answer, anyway. "A Sequentess is bounded by-"

"You didn't make that contract yourself!" The same response as last time. The conversation became a record on repeat.

"My soul did," I quietly objected. "Long ago, it made that contract. Even if my flesh wanted to reject, my soul never would. It's the Promise."

"That's... Thea, please." His voice sounded broken, coming out like a whimper.

"Have you ever heard of the New Mother?" I asked him. His head tilted slightly. "The New Mother is almost self-explanatory. Like me, she was a Sequentess, but she was called five months after she gave birth to my great-grandmother. Her flesh desired to stay behind, to raise her child, and it made her massively distraught. It even got to the point where it would consume her and she'd live amongst her hallucinations. I remember learning about this when the tutor came." I sucked in air and leaned back as Bellamy placed the partly opened letter on the glass coffee table.

"Basically," I continued, "her flesh rejected it so greatly, but her soul needed to abide. It is a god's duty to protect the realms. Her soul reasoned with her body and reminded her that if she wanted to protect others that have loved ones, mothers who had children, she needed to give herself to them. What this is trying to convey to you... is that I want them to live just as much as you want me to be here."

I got up and hugged him tightly again. I registered the defeat in his unmoving silence. When he decided to speak again, he said, "You're like an older sister to me. I know that's not something I should say as a servant, but this will potentially the last time I can tell you this, right?"

"I know, I know." I sighed, beginning my begrudgingly slow walk toward the door. "It sucks that I'm so old, Bell! Did you know I could be your grandmother?"

"Ah, I need to make a slight adjustment. A really old sister."

With a roll of my eyes, I protested. "Enough! Unnecessary. Don't start reminding me of it."

Half an hour later of teasing about my age, Bellamy and I reached the glass dome which acted as the headquarters for the Ministry of the Sacrificium. Entering, I almost get overwhelmed with the emptiness of the lobby. With opulent design, marble benches, and flowers of varying kinds, the lobby seemed almost pointless. Certainly, each head had countless numbers of lesser gods working for them, but none of them ever surfaced enough for such an investment in classy décor.

"You'd think they'd welcome you considering the situation..."

"They're probably preparing, I believe," I replied. Uneasily, I stepped forward, taking a seat on a marble bench that wrapped around a fountain. I listened to the sound of water as Bellamy followed. "I'm not sure where to go, so I suppose we'll wait for someone of the Godhead." He sat next to me, arms resting on his legs, hands holding his head.

Minutes passed. Watching as he continuously adjusted himself to get comfortable, I smoothed out the bottom of my dress. Using my index finger, I trailed the blue spirals against the white base, an act I hadn't done since childhood.

As the afternoon changed to evening, the sound of footsteps approaching broke the layer of nervousness that settled painfully on our bodies, tightening until it seemed like I'd heave out the desserts I had earlier. The disruption of footsteps became a voice instead. "Thank you for your sacrifice, Sequentess Thea. Anima, though unspoken, will be grateful for your actions today."

Ah, Issachar. I'm kind of surprised that they sent you." I gave him a wide grin as he continued to make his way forward. In the Godhead, Issachar fulfilled the role of Camarde, the Reaper. More specifically, he acted as Blind Justice. Being born of the House of Magami, he had the ability to see the colour of a person's soul at the expense of his normal eyesight. Instead of walking amongst us with his eyes open, he did so with his eyes closed.

"It's good to see you again, Miss Thea," he greeted with his usual smile in place, "as well as you, Bell. I'm glad you've both arrived. How are you doing today?"

"Well—"

"How are you so happy?" Bellamy asked scathingly. "You know what she's here to do. How can you be so fucking happy?" He jumped to his feet, hands balled into fists. Issachar's smile abruptly faded. "Answer—"

"Bellamy, stop!"

"—me right now."

"I know you're angry. How you're acting isn't going to change the situation. Do you want her to leave Sanctus with awful memories?"

Bellamy grunted.

"See, I knew you'd see reason," Issachar continued. He smiled an ear to ear grin once more.

"Be silent."

Issachar turned sideways and beckoned us to follow him. He lead us through double doors on the left and through several halls. Along the way, he introduced how the process would work with a tone that sounded delightful until we got to an elevator with clear doors. Inside, he started his usual rambling again as the elevator descended smoothly.

"Tell me, Miss Thea, how has your day been thus far? Has Bell been a pain for you?

"Shh, stop teasing him like that. He just behaves that way because he cares and is rather stressed by the situation, as you should know," I scolded.

"Have I pained you?" I glanced at Bellamy that stood at my side and looked him in the eyes. The greyness of it pierced me. Why would he even ask me a question like that?

"I... did not say that. You know you're the person closest to me." He folded his arms across his chest. He leaned against the elevator wall and heaved out a sigh. I fixed my eyes on the floors that passed by.

Issachar chuckled. "You hear that, Bell? She didn't give you a straightforward answer!"

I could feel the tension increasing in the tiny space we remained confined in. I couldn't take it anymore. "Enough!"

"You hear that, Magami? She's had enough of your shit."

"My, do you... cuss like this all the time in front of your master?"

"Be silent," I commanded again. Irritation crawled on my skin.

A groan escaped from me and filled the elevator just as it opened. Being trapped among two men that puffed out their chests in a game of dominance made the air around me suffocating.

Issachar led us out and into a massive space. In the centre of it was a gargantuan tank filled with a light pink liquid—Petal Water. Thin cords floated on top of the surface. Holograms on waiting screens shone on the walls, some with flickering shades of red, pink, and orange.

Surrounding it were people in white garments. Out of them, I could make out Valterri, a towering man with shaggy blonde hair, and Raine, a petite woman with an auburn bob.

"This is where it begins, Miss Thea." I watched Issachar start to immerse himself among them. I could continue to point him out even if my gaze shifted away—his straight black hair that reaches his waist made him unmistakable.

"This is where it ends, you mean," Bellamy retorted. He propped his arm partly on top of my head. "The closer I get to it, the more pissed off I become." I could tell. The closer we did get, the less formal he became. He never typically cussed, either, but it started surfacing when we got here.

"So, you enter that thing when Valterri talks to you, huh?"

I shifted my weight between my feet awkwardly. "Yeah, it is."

Though the Undying is fairly simple as a process, not requiring much out of me but to live, I couldn't help but become nervous, and for varying reasons. Of course, I didn't want to be here. I didn't want to lose everything I had just to live and feel what I felt now over and over again. More than that, the thought of dying in that process clawed at my chest and left butterflies to try and escape in my stomach. What I couldn't say, Bellamy vocalised for me.

"This is fuckin' awful." He groaned and moved his arm. "And here he comes. Great. He's going to take you away from us, and yet he also has a fuckin' smile on his face." He made a tch sound and stepped forward, acting as the barrier between myself and Valterri.

Naturally, Valterri halted, and, sure enough, he did have a wide smile on his face. I registered it as being to make me feel comfortable, but it had a bit of the opposite effect. I wasn't so naive to assume it'd be okay. I left childhood a long time ago. "Hello, Bellamy Wardein," he greeted, giving a nod towards Bellamy, "Thea Renascienta." He gave another towards me. "I know you both must be grieved that this day has come—"

"Take it off," Bellamy snarled. He easily cut Valterri off, letting the rest of his words evaporate into silence. The uneasiness in the atmosphere alarmed those around us, moving their observant eyes from the reports to the scene going on near the elevator.

"Pardon, Wardein?" His eyebrows raised quizzically in response, but it only served to make him look amused at the circumstances.

"Stop smiling. Take your goddamn smile off your face. It's unsettling and makes me want to hit you."

"Oh, I see," Valterri said. Complying, it vanished.

"I only smiled to make the Sequentess feel more comfortable with the situation."

"She's not five."

Valterri glanced at me and then back at Bellamy. "I see. In any case, Sequentess, I trust you've taken care of everything you needed to take care of?"

"Ah, almost. I want Bellamy to have my home when I depart and I desire for it to be solidified so there are no protesting and objections to the transfer."

He cocked an eyebrow at me. "Why not your younger siblings?"

"They have their own homes. My home is Bellamy's home. It's only natural that he should be able to remain in his home when I'm gone, no?"

"I see. Alright, I'll make such arrangements. I assume this will be a Soul Bind, correct?"

"You are correct."

"Go for it. The others still needed a minute to finish restarting the programs."

I nodded and stepped around Bellamy. Given Valterri's height, he had to bend over to allow me to press my index and middle finger on his forehead.

"Shooting Star of the Ministry, Étoile Filante, I hereby request that you bind yourself to me. My order is clear, and your obedience is in stone: Upon my departure into the realm of Humankind, Anima, Bellamy will remain in my home, and he will be provided for as you provided for me. He is my Guardien, and therefore shall guard what remains. If he should allow, others may live there as well, but only if the decision is made without coercion. My home is his home. Safeguard his right to it."

"I hear you, Sequentess, and bind myself to your request."

A blue and red vein separated from where my fingers were and travelled through the underneath of his flesh. It travelled around his eyes and disappeared beneath it. He blinked a couple times, adjusting his body to the contract, and sighed. "Is that all you needed, Sequentess?"

Did I need anything else? Would that be enough to take care of Bellamy while I'm gone? Would my father, as the current Rayon de Soleil, see me off? "Are you curious about your father? I figured you might wonder about that since you didn't answer quickly."

"Ah, y-yes..."

"King Gennadius isn't able to make it, unfortunately. I'm sure it'll fill him with remorse later and will coerce himself to visit you."

"That bastard won't be here? What about her mother and siblings?"

"There's a conference right now among the nobles concerning the knighthood."

"That's more important than this?" Bellamy sneered. the elevation in his voice jarred me.

"Calm down, Wardein. The Rayon de Soleil is a King before he is a father. If his schedule could fit it, he'd be here." Another tch sound came from Bellamy's direction. Ignoring it, Valterri motioned towards a metal door off to the side. "Come this way, Sequentess. Before we put you in the petal water, we have clothes we'd like you to wear. Your mother picked it out, actually."

I started to walk towards the door, Valterri walking beside me and Bellamy following close behind. "This is so crazy. Why'd it have to be now?" I could hear Bellamy mumbling to himself, but no one responded.

Once through the door, a woman wearing a white garment raised herself from the couch with a smile and held it out to me. "Your mother gave this to us. I'm sure you'll like it." I grabbed the dress and moved it around in my hands. Lace covered the waist area and fabric texture was very soft. No design beyond externalities covered it, making it simply a plain, snowy colour. "It's very pretty, I think. Queen Jinysea has quite a lovely taste, yes?"

I nodded slightly. The dress looked unfathomably elegant. It'd easily reach below my knees and maintained absolute simplicity, which I favoured over unnecessarily intricate designs. I didn't even like wearing makeup. Despite rarely talking to my mother, she knew me well enough to know that I could never wear what my younger sister, Lourdes, would.

"Are you okay, Sequentess? You  have... tears..."

I didn't even realise it. I could feel the trails pouring down my face. My body, like my mind, knew I'd miss this. The conversations had by look alone since I never talked a lot. The things done for me and what I've done for others. My father, my mother, my siblings, Bellamy, and others. The memories. I didn't want to lose any of it.

"I'm sorry." With my head lowered to hide my tears, I wept. No one said anything for awhile. I didn't even feel eyes on me as I normally would. In those moments, I released everything that had strangled my heart, and from my eyes came every ounce of emotion that I had tucked away as if it never existed. I cried like I'd never cried before.

To break the silence, the woman continued, voice shielding the sound of my sniffles from being the only noise in the small room. "There's... There's no shoes... with it. You'll be going barefoot, so... It shouldn't be a problem." I raised my head as she jabbed her thumb in the direction of a smaller room with a wooden door. "You can... change in there. We'll be sitting out here waiting for you." The way she talked told me that her, and probably the others, were deeply uncomfortable.

I nodded and made my way inside. I sat on a small bench, eyes glued to the dress. "It really is pretty," I whispered to the air. I undressed and, since it was a very simple design, easily put it on. It fit my body perfectly and without issue. I glanced into the mirror opposite the bench, eyeing the redness of my pale face. My hair, being long, straight and royal red, couldn't match how much the whiteness stood out. My eyes looked somewhat red, but the blueness made it barely noticeable.

"This'll work." I straightened out the dress and left behind my old attire.

I met the eyes of everyone sitting on the benches. "What do you think of it?" the woman asked.

"It's nice... no, no, it's beautiful. I'm really grateful to my mother." Bellamy smiled, a return for the one I gave them. Finally.

With a sign and the pressing of his hands against his leg, he said, "Well, it's time to go, then." He pushed himself up and led the way back to the tank. The tiles beneath my feet felt like ice. "Unfortunately, Wardein, I'll be halting you at the stairs, so say your goodbye there."

"Shit." Bellamy groaned. Once at the stairs that connected to the tank, he grabbed my arm and pulled me into a hug. His arm wrapped around me and used his other hand to hold my wrist. He knew with certainty that Valterri would do as he said even if Bellamy were to object to that restriction. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you, Master."

"I'm not your master right now, Bellamy. I'm your friend, and I always have been. You've never needed to call me that." He sighed, and I took in his smell. I'd never be around him after this.

"Even if you say that... No, it doesn't matter, now. I'm really glad I got to meet you that day. No matter where you go and who you become, I'll continue to watch over you when I can."

The tears came again. I sobbed against his chest as he continued to hold me. He used the arm that gripped my wrist to hide my face from others that stared at us. "I'm sorry, Thea. I'm really sorry that this is happening to you. I'd trade places with you if I could..."

I knew what he said was true. Bellamy has always cared about me and looked over me, even in my youth. But because of it, it made me glad that I fulfilled that role instead of him. "Thank you so much for your service," I whispered to him. I pulled myself away and stared at his grieved face. It looked like he'd be the one crying next. "Thank you so, so, so much Bellamy. I would never have chosen to be with anyone else but you."

"I'm—"

"It's time to go, Sequentess. We can't postpone any longer."

I turned and stared up at the giant that stood at the top, waiting for me to sacrifice myself. "I'm coming!" With another quick hug for Bellamy, arms limp at his sides, I ascended the stairs. If I would have looked at his face one more time, I'd break apart. I can't.

Holding me by my hand, his other on my back, he helped me into the pink tinted waters. It moved against my legs with a comfortable warm, and the smell of flowers filled my nose. It certainly lived up to its name as being petal water. Gradually, I moved farther and sunk underneath it.

Being heavenly water, I didn't have to struggle to breathe. I just continued to sink. The only downfall of the pure water lied in the fact that it sucked away the energy and would eventually make me lose consciousness. Each second that ticked forced me to become even more tired.

It, whatever it was, used that weakness to pierce my skin. A needle shot straight through my hands and kept my feet from touching the ground. I fought against it, trying to pull one arm over to take it out, but both were forced to be extended. Dull throbbing started in my hands, and that only intensified into an insatiable variation. My heart thumped hard and fast against my ribcage. I opened my mouth to scream, but it became filled with water.

My vision, blurry and pink-shaded, couldn't appropriately see what stuck out from my palms, but I didn't care. I wanted whatever it was out. I continued pulling hard on my arms. My fingers brushed the blade, feeling a circular end of it that would keep it from safely and smoothly exiting out of my hand.

What should I do? What could I do? How could I get it out? My thoughts rushed, gaining no genuine answer to the predicament I resided in. Anything that could even possibly be useful never surfaced to the forefront. Swiftly, a darkness, like a black mist, fled into my brain and conquered all of the thoughts that tried to plan my retreat. It moved in as a new resident and dominated me, removing everything that made me into who I am.

I moved no more. My eyes and conscious met that darkness.