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THE NEXT DAY
Caroline sat alone in her room, her heart heavy with grief. Rider's death had hit her like a tidal wave, leaving her feeling lost and broken. Rider had been more than just a friend to Caroline; he had been her confidant, her partner in crime, and her best friend.
But now, Rider is gone. The realization was like a dagger through Caroline's heart, and she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of guilt. She blamed herself for not being there to protect him, for not being able to save him from what Davina did to him. The weight of that guilt threatened to consume her.
As Caroline sat there, lost in her thoughts, she heard a soft knock on her door. She looked up to see Axel standing there, his eyes filled with concern.
"Can I come in?" Axel asked gently.
Caroline nodded silently, and Axel entered the room, closing the door behind him. He walked over to Caroline and sat down beside her on the bed, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace.
"I'm so sorry about Rider," Axel whispered. " I know how much he meant to you and that he was a good friend to you."
Tears welled up in Caroline's eyes as she buried her face in Axel's chest. "I can't believe he's gone." She choked out between sobs. "We were supposed to be this butt-kicking team when I found out he was a god Hunter."
Axel held her tighter, his voice filled with empathy. "I know it hurts right now, but we will find a way to honor Rider's memory. We will continue the fight, and we will make sure his sacrifice was not in vain."
Caroline nodded, her tears staining Axel's shirt. She knew deep down that he was right, but the pain of losing Rider was still too fresh. She couldn't imagine a world without him by her side.
"And what about Davina?" Caroline asked, her voice filled with anger and sadness. "She killed Rider, Axel. How can I ever look her in the face again?"
Axel sighed heavily, his grip on Caroline loosening slightly. "Davina wasn't in her right state of mind when she killed Rider." He explained. "She was under the influence of hatred for her mother, it clouded her actions."
Caroline's anger wavered for a moment as she considered Axel's words. She knew that Davina had always been a troubled soul, struggling with her own demons.
"I understand that, but it doesn't change the fact that she took Rider away from me," Caroline said, her voice filled with determination. "I don't know if I can ever forgive her for that."
Axel nodded understandingly, his eyes filled with sadness. "I don't expect you to forgive her right away." He said softly. "But we need to remember that Davina is still our friend and a part of my family. She needs our support now more than ever."
