The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

Twenty-One

["Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks, not in what they say; Just in what they are." -Markus Zusak]

I spent hours chatting away with my newfound friends about random nothingness, feeling the glorious nature of the wind blowing through my hair. The breeze was cool, almost like a summer day, though it was late October in the north. It was almost Halloween, which was particularly interesting.

"Any costume ideas?" Senna said. She had her body perked up from her undying enthusiasm.

"Halloween is dumb," Lilith scoffed as she crossed her arms, "It's just a waste of money."

"It is not!" I yelled, interjecting to a conversation that was irrelevant to me. My anger fumed, making my rosy cheeks even rosier. I felt so offended by everything she'd done to me so far that I blew up in her face. Man, what a great way to ruin a perfectly calm setting.

But there was more where that came from. The kettle popped to its inevitable breaking point. I felt so tempered that it burned my skin.

"We have opinions, Miss Death." She teased, making me even more furious. I wanted to lash out at her, for calling me that and for using her power for malevolent purposes, but I couldn't bring myself to. Even if a heated argument was inevitable.

"I get that. But ruining something for someone else? Did you ever think about Senna's feelings?! I know I just met you about a week ago, but she seems so inferior that it hurts! Do you seriously not understand that your actions have consequences?" I said, tone full of pure fury. Her face expressed like she was unfazed, staring me down as if I was mentally ill. In fact, I was, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her.

"Please, Hannah. She's my sister. I've known her longer than you've had parents.. Oh, wait! You're adopted, am I correct?" She mocked. I was so close to throwing her on the ground, but I was terrified of the paralysis she'd put upon me.

"Ladies, please-" Senna said, tone sincere and worrisome. Lilith threw her down, making her tumble over on the rough concrete. I glanced over to try to help her but my defense was equipped from her stepping towards me. I froze, unsure of how to react, mind racing.

Lilith's eyes were full of rage, aiming their fire towards mine. I managed to compose myself, somehow, and kept still as my feet tried pulling me away. My fight or flight instinct never kicked in, leaving me stranded with vines holding me down. I felt anxious, more than I had in a while, thinking of ways to escape this. Anything would've done, but nothing came to mind.

I decided to fight. We'll see what happens.

"Threatening, are you?" I said, stepping back a few inches. She stopped in front of me, breathing heavily, close to slapping me to the ends of the Earth. I gulped and waited for a response.

"Trying. Don't know if you're just too scared to face me or you don't want to.." She mentioned, eyes trailing down my arm. She noticed my trembling hands and somehow managed to not burst into cackles. My heart pulsated at unmeasurable lengths, making me pant more than anticipated. My fear was so, so close to emerging from my now watering eyes.

"Don't EVER talk to me like that again, are we clear?" She barked. I swallowed some built up saliva and stammered so hesitantly, "C-Crystal..."

"Alright, then. I guess your life has been spared another day." She said, walking away as if her duty was fulfilled. I opened my eyes to a spill of tears and clenched fists. Niko, Ryker, Jesse, Senna, and Chloe were observing me with awe. It was so embarrassing to let them see me in a state of such vulnerability, but then again, I didn't care one bit.