Cinderville: Vigilance

Untitled Part 15

I need you to love me

Like I can't love myself.

In the mirror, I see shadows,

Where you see something else.

Where my heart is fractured,

You find a way to heal.

In the silence of my soul,

Your whispers make it real.

Hold me through the darkness,

When I can't find my way.

Be the light that guides me,

Until I'm brave enough to stay.

I need you to love me,

For all that I can't be.

Because your love reminds me

Of the worth I cannot see.

Lily made her way back to Kev's place under the cover of night, slipping past the ruins and the dangers lurking in the shadows. Her mind raced, filled with thoughts of the coming storm. She had to protect Haven—there was no question about that—but the weight of it all pressed down on her, threatening to crush her under its force.

When she finally entered Kev's small, dimly lit apartment, her footsteps silent on the worn floorboards. The dim light from a single flickering bulb casts shadows that dance on the walls, mirroring the turmoil in her mind. Kev is waiting for her, as if he somehow knew she'd come back. He didn't say anything at first, just stood there, watching her as she closed the door behind her. His eyes are filled with concern, and something more—something Lily can't quite name.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the words came tumbling out before she could stop them. "Kev, I've been out there, getting the lay of the land. Li Yue... she's got the whole city in her grip. She's too powerful, and if I make any kind of move against her, the first thing she'll do is come after Haven."

Kev's face darkened with worry, his gaze steady, but there's a flash of something in his eyes—a fear for the people of Haven, for her.

"I can't let that happen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The only way to keep them safe is to block her access. I'm going to hit another armory, get more explosives, and wire the bridge leading to Haven. I'll take out a few abandoned buildings along the way, block any routes they could use. If I time it right, I can make sure no one gets close without paying the price."

"After that... I hit her where it hurts. The weapons, the drugs. I know she'll retaliate, but if I can set it up right, turn it into a trap..." Her voice trailed off as she looked away, the enormity of what she was planning settling in.

Kev gently reached for her hand, pulling her attention back to him. "Lily... you don't have to do this alone."

Kev stepped closer, his expression hard to read. "And after that?", reaching for her hand, but she pulls back, shaking her head. "Kev, listen to me. I can't love you. I'm... broken. I've been shattered into so many pieces, I don't even know where the pieces are anymore." She looks away, her voice cracking. "But I can't go out there, if I end up dieing trying to stop her, without... without knowing what it's like to be loved by someone."

Her voice cracked, and she turned her gaze downward, unable to meet his eyes. She expected rejection, or maybe pity—but instead, Kev stepped closer, his presence steady and unwavering. Slowly, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, his touch gentle.