Book One of the Shadows Series: Shadow of Redemption

The Big Day-Part Two

Sera took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't avoid it any longer. She had to confront Joshua. As the song "Figure You Out" by VOILÀ started playing, she steeled herself and walked towards him. The crowd seemed to part for her, each step bringing her closer to the boy she had once known. Joshua turned as she approached, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Sera," he said, his voice cold and distant.

"Joshua," she replied, forcing a smile. "May I have this dance?" He hesitated for a moment before extending his hand. "Of course." They moved to the dance floor, the music wrapping around them as they began to sway. Sera felt a chill run down her spine as she looked into his eyes. There was something different about him, something that sent alarm bells ringing in her mind. "How have you been?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Bucky watching them closely.  Joshua's grip on her tightened slightly. "I've been...occupied. You?"

"Same," she said, her eyes searching his for any sign of the boy she used to know. "I've missed you." He smirked, a hint of something sinister in his eyes. "Is that so?" Sera tried to focus on the music, on the rhythm of their movements, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. As they danced, Joshua's hand slipped to his pocket, and before she could react, she felt a sharp prick in her side. Her eyes widened in shock. "Joshua...what did you...?"

"I'm sorry, Sera," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. "But this is for the best." The world around her began to blur, her limbs growing heavy. She struggled to stay conscious, but the drug was too powerful. As darkness began to overtake her, she saw Joshua's face, a mixture of sadness and resolve. "You'll understand soon," he said softly. "You'll see."

Sera's vision faded completely, and she felt herself being lifted, carried away from the ballroom and into the night. The last thing she heard was the haunting melody of the song, a cruel reminder of the moments they had shared.

Her hands were trembling, covered in blood that wasn't her own. The cold, metallic taste of fear lingered in her mouth as the guards dragged her down the dimly lit corridor. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing with the image of her sister's lifeless body. She had done it. She had killed Evie.

The cell door clanged open, and they shoved her inside with a brutal force that sent her sprawling to the floor. Pain radiated through her body, but it was nothing compared to the agony in her heart. She curled up on the cold, hard ground, sobbing uncontrollably. "Sera?" a familiar voice called out softly. She looked up, tears blurring her vision.

Joshua was there, his eyes wide with concern. He knelt beside her, his hands gentle as he helped her sit up. "What happened? Are you hurt?"

"I... I killed her," Sera choked out between sobs. "I killed Evie." Joshua's face paled, but he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "It's not your fault, Sera. It's not your fault."

"But it is!" she cried, her body shaking with grief. "I did it. I killed my own sister." Joshua's grip tightened, his voice fierce with determination. "HYDRA made you do it. They're the ones to blame, not you. You did what you had to do to survive." Sera buried her face in his shoulder, her tears soaking his ripped shirt. For a moment, the cold, harsh world of HYDRA seemed to fade away, replaced by the warmth and safety of Joshua's embrace. He rocked her gently, murmuring soothing words that she barely heard over the sound of her own sobs. Minutes passed, maybe hours. Time seemed meaningless in the depths of their despair. Finally, Sera's sobs began to subside, replaced by a dull, aching numbness. She pulled back slightly, looking up at Joshua with red-rimmed eyes. "What if I'm a monster?" Joshua cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You're not a monster, Sera. You're one of the bravest, strongest people I know. We're going to get through this, together."