Reality. noun The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them; the state or quality of having existence or substance. A sharp eye can catch life's repetition, but a cautious one knows how to break the pattern. Amongst a world still fractured by the scars of one of its deadliest wars, glimmers of rehabilitation were beginning to surface. Twenty-five years later, society plunged back into that same cycle they've always known. It took bravery to recover. It took courage to face it again. Élisabeth found herself swept among the wreckage of the second wave, still drowning as the memory of the first swell pulled her under. Navigating through heavy waters, shining beneath a light of cruel familiarity. Protecting what she loved never came at such a high cost. Everybody has secrets. Some are better kept hidden, and a slip of the façade could be fatal. There's always a price to pay. Regardless of how far down they go, how deep the ache splinters from the heart, they always find a way to reveal themselves. Facing her fears kept her alive, accepting her truth kept her safe. Erasing the board of guilt has never been easy. {Trigger and mature themes warning: Violence, death, mentions of child and domestic abuse, child loss, torture, mature language, war, sexism, homophobia, and PTSD and other mental health issues.} {Book one of the Infinity Series.} {I do not own Marvel, any characters, or any events. Lizzie, as well as all non-Marvel Comic or Cinematic Universe featured events and characters, mentioned are of my own creation.} {Features events from: 'Captain America: The First Avenger'.}