Dusk Till Dawn [ will herondale ]

6 - spark of something new

[unedited]

"'Life isn't fair.' I said. 'It's taken me a while to get that. It's always going to disappoint you in some way or another. You'll make plans, and it'll push you in another direction. You will love people, and they'll be taken away no matter how hard you fight to keep them. You'll try for something and won't get it. You don't have to find meaning in it; you don't have to try to change things. You just have to accept the things that are out of your hands and try to take care of yourself. That's your job.'"

Alexandra Bracken, Never Fade (The Darkest Minds, #2)

---

The events of the night before had not left Arabella's mind. They circulated and tainted her throughout the night, leaving her exhausted. After having successfully detached herself from Will, she had escaped back to her room. Pressing her back against the door as it slammed shut behind her. Arabella's eyes were still puffy and irritated from the crying that had resumed from the whole ordeal.

I still can't believe Jem didn't tell me. Arabella sighed and thrust the blankets away from her body. Her mind struggling to comprehend that her brother was dying, and there was nothing she could do about it. This is what I get for hoping. Arabella rubbed her hand across her face as she heaved out a large breathe. Maybe I'm just toxic.

Arabella began to slide off the side of the bed when the door burst open, slamming against the walls. Arabella jumped at the loud sound, her eyebrows furrowing as a fiery young girl stood in the middle of her room. The girls very bright blue dress circled around her waist as she came to an abrupt stop. The small scowl on her face apparent as she stopped at the foot of the bed.

Arabella sat frozen on her bed, eyebrows furrowed in confusion at this strange girl. She was quite possibly the most beautiful girl Arabella had ever seen. The girl had waist length blonde hair - almost resembling a silver hue, soft brown eyes that resembled melted chocolate, plump rosy lips, and a beautiful creamy complexion. The vibrant blue dress she wore complimented her pale skin beautifully, and almost gave an outward warning to the girls 'expressive' personality.

"Now, Arabella." The tone of her voice was something of desperation and anger as she talked. Not even two seconds later, Miss Charlotte Branwell was following after her. "It seems only fitting that you get out of that bed and join us for breakfast and accompany me to the city today."

Arabella noted how her tone left no room for discussion. The girl waited expectantly, her hands placed on her narrow hips as she stared at her. Perhaps this trip would do her well. It was only simply a carriage ride thought the city. Arabella needed to get away from the Institute, now more than ever. Arabella ran a hand through her hair as she bit her lip in thought.

"Jessamine!" Charlotte scolded the girl, having been right behind her. Charlotte had wanted to give Arabella as much time as she needed to rest. She imagined that having been stuck in a cell for years left limited options for mobility and comfort. She wanted her to feel safe before she was thrust back into the world. "I'm sorry for this intrusion. Jessamine she will not be accompanying ----"

"No, no. It is perfectly okay." Arabella interrupted Charlotte softly. Arabella briefly glanced back to the empty wooden chair that Jem should've been occupying. "It would be my pleasure to accompany her." A silence settled between the people in the room. A look of dominance and happiness was displayed on Jessamines face as she smugly left the room.

Charlotte watched Jessamine exit the room, not missing the growing smirk on her lovely face. She turned back to face Arabella and gave her a small exhausted smile. Arabella hadn't been at the Institute for long, but she could tell just how exhausted Charlotte was. Despite being only twenty three years old, she looked as if she was in her early thirties. So the smile was gladly returned as she let out a small laugh at Jessamine's behavior.