Ashes Of The Throne | Part I

Chapter 119 | Consequences Of The Devil

As the spacecraft hovered above Creon, Madison's fingers flew over the controls, engaging the autopilot. The engines' steady hum filled the cockpit, a mechanical lullaby that stood in stark contrast to the storm of thoughts raging in her mind.

They had been on the brink of freedom, with a new life almost within their grasp. Thoughts of Mein and the prince flickered through her mind, offering a fragile glimmer of hope amid the chaos. Yet, fate seemed determined to keep them entangled with that despicable excuse of a human being.

The cockpit's quiet sanctuary, with only the gentle hum of the spacecraft's systems, was abruptly shattered by the sound of the door sliding open. Madison's heart leaped as she turned toward the noise, and there stood Eko, her presence instantly altering the atmosphere.

Eko appeared as though she had been through a severe ordeal, her appearance marked dramatically by both her blood and the dark, almost black blood of the youmas that stained her skin and clothes. Her body was a patchwork of bruises, her jaw prominently discolored, and deep gashes across her forehead were interspersed with soot and the distinct yellow dirt of the battleground.

"Good look you're sporting there," Madison commented dryly, her sarcasm thinly veiling her concern. "Sticking with him is really keeping you safe."

Eko, exhausted and emotionally drained, felt her patience fraying. Sensing what her cousin was about to say, Madison cut her off.

"I'm not in the mood for a lecture, Sera," Madison replied, shifting wearily in her seat. "Let's just agree to disagree until we're back at that infestation-ridden academy. Then we can have a more civilized conversation."

"Civilized conversation? You!" Eko's voice filled the cockpit, her frustration boiling over. "I can't fucking believe you! I just can't believe you!" She began pacing, struggling to keep her resolve, feeling the control slipping through her fingers.

Suddenly, Eko gestured angrily toward the planet below, her voice rising even higher. "Do you have any idea what your reckless actions down there could have cost us? We could have been killed! Your actions were so fucking stupid, they were selfish, and utterly senseless!"

Unfazed, Madison lifted her chin defiantly. "My actions were taken with the best intentions, whether you choose to see that or not. It was a risk—"

"Risk!" Eko's voice was a growl, almost cutting her off as she took a step closer, her tone now a dangerous rumble. "That wasn't a risk, Madison, that was a death sentence! You don't get to play god with our lives!"

Madison's features hardened into a firm mask. The truth was, in the heat of the moment, Madison hadn't fully considered the potential fallout of her actions. The plan had been simple and clear—avoid detection at all costs. The unexpected arrival of the headmaster had thrown everything into chaos, and suddenly, the lack of a contingency plan was glaringly obvious. Seated, she crossed her arms defensively, mentally noting that next time she needed to plan for the inevitable chaos.

Eko's voice escalated again, her frustration mounting as she pressed for accountability. "Nothing? You have nothing to say for your actions?"

Madison stood her ground, her chin jutting out defiantly. "Fine," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "I'd have sacrificed his life in a heartbeat to get you away from this godforsaken place."

Eko's fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to maintain her composure, her face twisted in anger. "Listen very carefully," she snapped. "The shit you pulled is going to have serious fucking repercussions. And I don't think you understand what is going to happen the moment we set foot off this aircraft!"

"Your little boyfriend out there is going to have a little cry?" Madison's eyes narrowed. "Maybe you should open your eyes to the fact that you can't overturn your entire life for this person, Sera!"