District 17

Skylar cheeks blushed red when Eva’s lips brushed against her ear. She bit her lip slightly, her heart raced. She winced then and gave a nod. “Y-yeah, come on.” She took Eva’s hand into hers and led her through the crowd. She would have to stop every five feet or so for pleasantries, a hand shake here and there. Skylar curved through the crowd and led Eva to the hallway that the security officer guarded. The man gave a bow and opened the door for the two. Skylar then pulled Eva down the long hallway, the sound of the ball began to become quieter as she stepped up a flight of stairs. Skylar pushed the doorway open to a beautiful glass domed room. The city lights could be seen through the glass, snow still stuck to a few panes. There were two comfy chairs and a couch that sat around a coffee table. Skylar gave a smile to Eva as she sat down on the couch, her fingers still laced through Eva’s. She was tired. Her skin was hot to the touch; the fever was coming back again. Skylar slipped a pill that she had hidden in the ribbon of her dress, she tossed it into her mouth and sighed softly as she relaxed back into the couch. “This is exhausting.” She whispered softly before she let out a small laugh.

Skylar opened her eyes and stared to Eva for a long moment. She smiled and ran her fingertips down the side of Eva’s face. She then relaxed and shut her eyes, Skylar took in a small breath. “Are you doing okay?” She asked and then studied her for a moment, “Ayla and Ren kept you company I hope?” She gave a smile. She then stared up at the glass dome, “I used to play in this room, during the balls, I used to escape here, when I was younger…It’s quiet, calm….really peaceful. Sometimes I feel like I can’t focus when these events are taking place, I mean…my father…” She then let out a laugh, “He would let me up here to get away, he would always bring toys for me…” She sighed softly, “That was the most interaction I got with him…” Skylar paused for a long time then, thinking of her father this evening, what he said to her. How bad he felt about the actions he took during her life. “Eva…” Skylar looked to Eva and took her hands, “I…I can’t go yet…” She shook her head, “I can’t…can’t you just…stay? Can we not just stay here?” She asked, her voice soft. She turned her eyes away and loosened her grip on Eva’s hands. “It’s stilly for me to ask that…isn’t it?” She muttered.

Skylar watched Eva carefully as she spoke. She was right. This wasn’t like just moving to another city. She wouldn’t ever be able to return to this dimension. Why did it have to be that way? Why must her family and friends be put through such pain? Then Eva kissed her. The kiss was full of passion, and it was returned with a passionate kiss as Skylar placed her hand on Eva’s jaw. The moment, like several other moments, ended all too soon. Skylar took in a breath, her cheeks were rosy red, she held Eva’s hand. “Thank you, Eva.” She whispered softly. “You say that I don’t know you, yet I feel as though I have known you for a long time.”

“Miss Greystoke?” A voice spoke. Skylar turned her head and looked up to see Booker standing in the doorway. “Your father, requested that you return to the ball room, your presence is needed.” He gave a gentle smile. “Is there anything I can assist you with?” He asked then and looked to Eva a moment before he looked back to Skylar.

“No, thank you, Booker.” She gave a nod. “I will head back, just give us a minute.” She nodded and watched him leave. The sound of the door clicking into place filled the room before silence blanketed. Skylar could feel her pulse in her chest, she took in small quick breaths. Her eyes moved back to Eva and she smiled, “Thank you, again, Eva.” She leaned forward and kissed her for a quick moment before she led her back to the ballroom. Skylar pulled her through the crowd as another song started. “May I have this dance?” She asked with a grin before she twirled Eva around and held her back against her again. Skylar spun her around and dipped her. All the while she smiled and grinned. She loved this feeling. Eventually the music slowed, she caught eye of her father making his way to the podium. “I have to go.” She gave Eva a quick squeeze before she hurried off through the sea of people.

The music turned completely off, the sound of the roar of people chatting filled the air until the click of a mic turning on echoed through the room. Mavis stood up at the podium, a smile on his face. “Ladies and gentlemen, as well as our best officers in the city. I welcome you to this evenings events and festivities. This evening I am honored to deliver a ceremony for one of our best officers to have ever stepped foot into the precinct.” A few officers in the crowd hooted and hollered. Mavis let out a chuckle, he cleared his throat then before he continued, “Our city is a safer place because of all of the wonderful officers that we have, we can thank them day in and day out for such an amazing job. However, one officer in particular took her job to the next level in defending our city. Officer Ren Sarálonde, please step forward.” Mavis gave a nod to Skylar as she stepped up to the podium next to him. The crowd cheered as Ren made her way up to the stage that was set up for the event. “My daughter Skylar will be presenting a few of the awards.” He took a step back and gave a nod.

Skylar’s pulse beat within her chest, her cheeks were flush. She gave a smile to her father before she took the stand, “Officer Sarálonde.” She began, she smiled to Ren whom stood just a few feet from her on the stage. “I’ve known Ren for years, I knew her before she went through the academy, before she even knew that she wanted to be an officer…and when she announced that she was going to do it, to go through with the academy, everyone that knew her at that time agreed that this was the best move she would ever make.” Skylar gripped the podium. “Ren stepped into a big pair of shoes when she first became an officer, we had higher crime rates back then. It is a crazy thought, to think of the city to think of bad parts, to think of anything in a negative way. The way that our city is today, is because of the hard work of officers much like Ren. Though, there is something that Ren did that has given her the right to this title. A few months ago, a bomb was planted in the train station downtown. I’m sure everyone in this city can tell me where they were on that day. I remember where I was. I was with my mother and father, we had just cut the ribbon to our new Amtrak system. Several officers were there that day. I remember the sound of the bomb going off, it was deafening. The rubble fell, the smoke lifted into the air, and the world seemed to stop in that moment. Officer Sarálonde was on security detail, she chased down the man who killed thousands that day. The man who nearly killed our Duke and Duchess.” She nodded to her mother and father. “Not only did Officer Sarálonde apprehend this criminal, she also ran into the burning tunnels with her fellow officers. She pulled bodies from the rubble. She helped in the efforts to uncover the collapsed tunnels. Officer Sarálonde is a hero in the true meaning of the word.” Skylar turned and smiled to Ren. “To this, the Duke has granted you, Officer Sarálonde with the medal of heroes.” Skylar stepped from the podium with the medal in her hands, she slipped it carefully over Ren’s head as the crowd exploded in applause. Skylar stepped back to the podium, “We also would like to give this plaque as a thanks for completing your duties without a second thought.” Skylar stepped forward and handed the plaque over to Ren. Skylar took a step back to stand next to her mother then as Mavis stepped up to the podium.

“It is without doubt that several lives were saved that day, as several other bombs were placed throughout the city, ready to be ignited. But, with Officer Sarálonde diligent police work, she apprehended the suspect before any of those bombs could be set off. A real miracle.” He paused as the crowd applauded. “I would like to gift as a token of my thanks this saber, a saber of heroes, of honor.” He stepped forward and pulled the saber from behind the podium. It was a gorgeous sword with a beautiful shield that would guard ones hand that was crafted out of gold and silver. The sheath had gorgeous designs in the black material. “Thank you.” Mavis nodded to Ren with a smile as he fixed the sword onto her belt. He then stepped back to the podium. “May our city forever have excellent officers.” He rose a glass of champagne from the podium. “Thank you to all men and women of the police force.” Several glasses clinked before the crowd cheered again.

The music was turned back on then and everyone went back to dancing and mingling around. Skylar took in slow breaths, her vision was caving in again. She focused as she made her way through the crowd, several people stopped her to shake her hand and greet her. She stumbled into the arms of Lucille. “Oh my, you’re trying to ruin my evening aren’t you dear?” She asked with a chuckle. Lucille helped Skylar to the balcony that overlooked the city. The cold winter air kissed her feverish hot skin. “Why won’t your body accept this?” She spoke, curiously. Lucille carefully set Skylar down on a cold stone bench. She stared into her eyes, ember flecks glowed within the blue and green. “Hm…” She took in a deep breath. “You need to keep calm, dear.” She spoke. Skylar’s eyes were wide, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. Lucille placed her hand against Skylar’s forehead, “Calm.” She soothed, her hand began to glow the beautiful blue color. This only lasted a few moments before she pulled her hand away and Skylar collapsed into her. “You really are trying to ruin all of my fun.” She sighed and leaned Skylar against the railing. Skylar’s head slumped forward limply. “Wait….right there.” Lucille then chuckled, “You’re not going anywhere anytime soon.” She shook her head as she went back inside. The world here didn’t even notice that Skylar was gone, the people continued to celebrate and party. Lucille glanced around, looking for Eva.

**

Skylar’s eyes fluttered, blood leaked from her nose. She shuddered from the cold air. “Eva…?” She whispered softly. She lifted her head as her body shivered again. She couldn’t remember how she got to the balcony. She stood shakily and brushed the blood from her nose, it smeared on the back of her hand in a bright red.

“Eva…” Skylar whispered as she leaned into Eva’s body, her head lay on Eva’s shoulder. Skylar’s eyes fluttered, her breaths trembled, her fingers curved around Eva’s arms as she held on. She gasped as Eva jumped over the edge of the balcony with her.

“Eva!” Lucille cried from the roof top. The sound of her wings beating against the crisp air could be heard. Then, silence. The world of the void surrounded them. The sound of the waterfalls slipped into Skylar’s hearing. She stared at Eva as she spoke. Rejecting Olyver? Was she? The more Skylar thought about it, the more it made sense. She was absolutely terrified. Her life, before all of this…it had a track, a route that she followed. She knew exactly what her next move was, she knew what to do. Even in the fights, she knew what to do. Now she felt like she was in a fight against an opponent that had her pinned against the corner and wouldn’t let up. She couldn’t breathe. Skylar closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. Her arms held onto Eva, her stomach fluttered with butterflies, her pulse raced. Then when Eva pulled back and suddenly teleported Skylar stumbled and nearly fell into the rushing water. She took a few steps back.

Skylar looked around the world, she knew it. She knew that she only knew this world because of Olyver, this world did not exist in her dimension. Skylar took in a slow breath, she looked to Eva with worried eyes, “I don’t know how…” She spoke softly, fear in her voice. You do know. Olyver’s voice in her head. Skylar stumbled and leaned against the trunk of a tree, memories flooded her mind. Memories of Olyver came into her vision. She held her head as she slipped to the ground, blood dripped from her nose. You can do this, I wouldn’t have given up my life if I knew you weren’t able. Skylar squeezed her eyes shut and let out a whimper.

Lucille appeared next to Eva, her arms crossed. “You scared me.” She spoke, her wings relaxed against her back. “Jumping off of the balcony like that, you’re mad!” She then looked to Skylar, “Oh I see.” She chuckled. “This is good.” Lucille turned back to Eva, “Just don’t let her drown here, her soul will get trapped you know. I’m going to enjoy the party, see you there.” Lucille disappeared into a burst of light.

Skylar stood on the edge of the water. She looked to the rapids of the river and then to the waterfalls. Her hands shook, tears welled in her eyes. She couldn’t think. She took several steps back from the river before she sprinted forward, Skylar squeezed her eyes shut and let out a cry as she leaped into the air over the water. Suddenly the shadows surrounded her and she rushed forward across the river. Skylar landed, though not in the most graceful of ways, she stumbled and rolled to the ground, her chest heaved her eyes were wide. She scrambled to her feet and stared into Eva’s eyes as she took her hands. She kissed her then, without missing a moment. The kiss was loving and lasted a long moment, Skylar pulled Eva in close to her. She pulled back after a moment and took in a breath, “You really did sweep me off my feet.” She whispered softly. Skylar took in a breath, more memories. She was being flooded with everything that Olyver had experienced, the void allowed that. She winced when she saw through Skylar Olyver’s eyes the beating that she endured on the night that she should have died, Eva saved her. Then the reaper. Skylar saw everything. She stumbled and gripped onto Eva to keep her balance, she let out a shaky breath. Her nose was no longer bleeding, her forehead cooled. “Eva…” She whispered, her voice trembled. She gripped onto her tightly and suddenly the shadows surrounded them, the world around them grew silent and dark. Then suddenly lights began to come into view through the shadows. Skylar opened her eyes and looked around, “How….?” She whispered, they were standing in the domed room back at the ball. The sound of music could be heard in the distance. Skylar reached up to find that all of the blood had disappeared. She looked back to Eva. She furrowed her brows slightly, “Wait…” She looked back to the door.

“Miss Greystoke?” Booker came in. He stated that she was needed back in the ballroom.

Skylar took in a slow breath, she gripped Eva’s hand and towed her along. The whole scene played out again, she danced with Eva, she made her way to the stage and gave her elegant speech, just as before. She then stepped down from the stage. She didn’t feel dizzy or hot. She lifted her finger to feel for the blood, it wasn’t there.

“Wonderful job, Skylar.” Lucille grinned, “Good show, and better yet, you’re not ruining my evening.” She winked and disappeared into the crowd.

Skylar stepped forward and found her way to Eva, she wrapped her arms around her and hugged her close. “Eva…how?” She whispered softly.

Skylar moved fluidly with Eva, her cheeks blushed red, her pulse raced. The things that Eva spoke to her and whispered in her ear. The feeling of Eva’s lips upon her neck sent shivers down her spin and caused goosebumps to rise on her forearms. Skylar chuckled when Eva stated that she would be the badass that everyone knew, once she was more confident. “The things that I saw.” She spoke softly, “Olyver’s memories, of her getting her powers, of her near death that you saved her from. Your death…” She blinked a few times, her cheeks still buzzing and red. “Eva, you are astonishing….I couldn’t have done this without you.” She whispered and kissed her then. She pulled back just as Ren and Ayla approached, her cheeks flushed a deeper red, if possible. Ayla chuckled as she watched her longtime friend. Skylar laced her fingers through Eva’s fingers and smiled as she gave a nod to Ren. “Of course, heroes have to eat right? Otherwise how else would you be so tough?” She joked. “We could go to Non Ti Pago.” She suggested.

Alya’s eyes lit up with excitement at the mentioning of the best Italian restaurant around. “Yes!” She grinned. She leaned in and gave a kiss to Ren’s cheek. “We’ve been wanting to go for months, babe.” She chuckled.

Skylar grinned, she gave a squeeze to Eva’s hand and led her from the ball room. “We will meet you over there, Hero Ren.” She flashed a smile as she turned toward the parking garage that they parked in.

Ayla chuckled and smiled, “See you soon, Sky.” She leaned in close to Ren, the cold causing her to shiver.

Skylar smiled to Eva as she led her down the cold streets. “Non Ti Pago is one of the best restaurants in town. It’s Italian, not sure if you’ve ever had that before.” She spoke as she pulled the passenger door open for Eva and helped her into the car. She got in and shivered slightly as she started up Rocket. Moments later they were on the road zipping through the streets. “You’ll love it.” She spoke and gave another grin, “Thank you, Eva.” She looked back forward, her cheeks blushed again. “For everything, thank you.” She made a few turns and slipped her car into a parking space. A moment later Ren pulled up in her black coupe. Skylar chuckled before she got out. She once again took Eva’s hand and led her inside.

“Good evening, welcome to Non Ti Pago….” The hostess paused, she smiled wide then, “Right this way, Miss Greystoke.” She grabbed menus and led them through the restaurant. She led them up a few flights of stairs before she positioned them in a curved booth that overlooked the city. It was quiet up here, only a few other tables were taken. “I hope this is adequate.” She smiled as she set down the menus.

“Of course, thank you.” Skylar slid into the booth, she laced her fingers back through Eva’s, her thumb rubbed the back of her hand.

Ayla grinned as she watched the two. She elbowed Ren playfully a few times, grinning ear to ear. She loved to see Skylar this happy. It had been a very long time since she’d seen Skylar smile this much. She went to speak just as the waitress walked up. “Good evening. Ah Ren, Ayla, Skylar.” She stopped at Eva.

“This is Eva.” Skylar chimed in.

“Ah, Eva. Lovely to meet you.” She bowed her head slightly. “What can I get you ladies started this evening? The usual?”

“Of course.” Skylar grinned. The waitress gave a nod and then was off without missing a beat.

“So, Sky…” Ayla spoke a grin on her lips. “It’s good to see you smile.”

Skylar melted into a pile of pink cheeks in that moment. She grinned and let out a nervous giggle. “Oh…yeah…” She scratched her head slightly. “It…it’s really nice…isn’t it?” She squeezed Eva’s hand a bit more in that moment, her cheeks on fire.

Skylar smiled brightly as she listened to Eva’s rendition of everything. She chuckled when Ren mentioned Superman. What would it be like to have a hero with super powers here? Her phone began to chime from her small purse that she carried. She frowned slightly as she dug it from the pocket and looked to the screen. James. “Um…I’ll be right back…sorry…” She slipped from the table, her fingers lingered with Eva’s for a moment before she brought the phone to her ear. “Greystoke.” She spoke as she stepped away, she walked to the edge of the dining area and down a hallway. She stood in the dimly lit hall near the top of the staircase. “Hello?” She asked and furrowed her brows. “Ah, now I hear you.” Skylar gave a smile as she paced slightly and leaned against the bannister of the stairwell. “Yes, I’ve been gathering information.” She spoke and then fell silent for a long moment as James gave her instructions. To be safe. That, this was an important case and that, this case was far more important than putting Jasper behind bars. It was a whole different level of dangerous with the level of criminals that she was dealing with. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it James.” She smiled, confident.

Skylar chuckled then when he brought up the fight club, “Tomorrow? Yeah sure. No problem.” She grinned, she loved fighting. It was her life blood. “Oh, James, I’m going to bring a newbie.” She added with a chuckle. “I’m sure she’ll fit right in.” She paused, “Of course. We will see you tomorrow then.” She hung up the phone. Skylar turned and took a few steps back toward the dining area. Her wrist was clasped tightly. She glanced over her shoulder in just enough time to get sight of the man’s fist as it hurdled toward her face. She winced and took in a quick breath, time slowed as she ducked down. She ripped her hand from his grasp and shoved him against the wall before she took off in the closest to a sprint she could manage in her heels. Skylar made it to the dining room just as the glass shattered. Four men dressed in black with masks over their faces came flying through the glass, assault rifles in their hands. It was almost immediate that the men opened fire. “No!” Skylar screamed as bullets cut through the air. She grit her teeth and shut her eyes tightly for a moment as she ran forward, time stopped. She stood, starting at a bullet that hung in the air. “Woah….” She looked to Eva, Ayla, and Ren. Whom were caught by surprise by this attack. Skylar glanced around the room as time stood still, this was really the first time she really harnessed her powers like this. She stared to the frightened eyes of civilians. “Shit…” She muttered, one man was mid fall, blood splashed from his side. Another woman had a bullet in her shoulder. Others were wounded too. The gunners shot everywhere but the table Skylar was sitting at before her phone rang.

Skylar turned back again to the men. She rushed forward and ripped the guns from the attackers hands. Skylar held the assault rifles and took in a breath, allowing time to resume. The men stood, they looked around in confusion for their guns. “Looking for these?” Skylar asked, a smirk on her lips as she dropped the clips of the guns to the ground and tossed the guns out the window. One of the men rushed forward at Skylar a dagger pulled. Skylar dodged his attack and gripped his forearm, slamming his face into the ground. She stomped on his back with her heels and grinned. She turned back to catch a fist to her face, her head turned sideways harshly.

“Skylar!!” Ayla screamed, she was caught against the wall by one of the attackers. Ayla wasn’t a fighter. No, she was a doctor. She didn’t know much about fighting at all. She knew her way around the human body, around a piano, but she wasn’t much for fighting at all.

Skylar let out a breath as she felt a hot pain in her side. She brought her eye down to the hilt of the dagger that stuck from her abdomen. Her breath caught in her throat as she choked. She ripped the blade from her side and lunged forward. Shadows surrounded her and she moved with incredible speed as she brought her elbow down into the back of the man that stabbed her. She kicked him in his chest, sending him into the wall. Time once again stood still as Skylar ran forward she slipped the dagger from the man that was attacking Ayla. She then took him and shoved him back away from her as time resumed. “Attacking a doctor?” She asked and clicked her tongue. “That’s not fair at all.” The man looked at her with wide eyes. Skylar took a step forward into the shadows, she appeared right in front of him, her fingers wrapped around his neck. “I thought that Eva and I told your little friend to leave us alone? That it was no use to try and stop the case? That’s what this is about….isn’t it?” Her eyes glowed a frightening ember.

Ayla rushed to the side of the man with the gunshot wound in his abdomen. She held pressure with one hand as she called 911 with her free hand. “Don’t give up.” She called over an onlooker. “Keep pressure here.” She moved to the next victim. There were at least 10 with wounds from the bullets.

Skylar stared into the eyes of the man that she held, the sounds of his gasps for air echoed through the room. “You’re going to be locked away for a long time.” She whispered as she dropped him to the ground and kicked him in his side.

Skylar turned, the sound of sirens echoed through the streets below, the red and blue flashing lights rushed toward the restaurant. Skylar held her hand to her side, she looked down to the bright red blood that leaked onto her hand and through the cracks between her fingers. She let out a shaken breath. “E-Eva…” She gasped. She turned, looking for Eva, hoping in all of this mess she hadn’t been injured.

Officers rushed the floor, their guns drawn. “Ren!” They rushed forward and packed up the men, cuffing them and shoving them down the stairs away from the restaurant. Time seemed to stand still for Skylar as she stood, her breaths shook. Paramedics rushed the victims from the room. One ran forward to her, he flashed a light in her eyes. “Miss Greystoke.” He spoke. “Miss Greystoke, can you hear me?” He searched her eyes, his voice was muffled, fuzzy.

Skylar turned from him, she felt his gloved hand over hers that held pressure on her wound. “Eva….”

“Miss Greystoke?” The paramedic spoke again. “Come on, you’re injured.”

“No…” Skylar’s eyes fluttered. “No…” She fought against him as he tried to scoop her into his arms. “Stop it….no…” She batted at his arms, suddenly the world stopped again. Skylar stumbled back from him, shadows swirled around her, spinning around her body quickly.

A flash of light burst through the room, “You know, you really need to work on this whole ruining my evening thing, Skylar.” Lucille stepped forward, a warm smile on her lips. She stepped to Skylar and placed her hand over Skylar’s the gripped to her wound. “Just breathe, okay? It’s going to be just fine.” A blue light came from her hand, her wound began to mend. The pain began to fade away. Skylar took in a shaken breath as she stared at Lucille whom smirked. “Now then.” She took a step back. “Back to the party, behave…would you?” She winked before she disappeared with a flash.

Skylar stumbled as time resumed. The paramedic stared at her. “No, I’m okay.” She brushed his hand away. Her eyes searched for Eva then.

Skylar was ushered outside within the crowd of people. She bumped against shoulders, her eyes wide. “Eva!” She called and tried to push back against the officers that rushed her outside with the other civilians. She stepped outside into the cold night air as Eva rushed forward. Eva’s arms surrounded her in warmth. Skylar leaned in against her, her breaths shuddered. “I’m…” Skylar blinked a few times, everything happened so quickly. “I’m okay.” She looked down to her blood splattered dress. Blood drenched the side of her dress where the stab wound was only minutes before. Eva kissed her then, and in that moment nothing else mattered. Skylar pulled herself close to Eva, her breaths shuddered. She opened her eyes at the end of the kiss, a soft smile on her lips. “It all happened so fast.” She whispered softly. Skylar went to speak just as the news team rushed forward, the lights were blinding.

Skylar took in a breath, her eyes wide. “Uh…um…” She stuttered slightly, shock in her eyes.

“That is more than enough!” Amara’s voice came as the Duchess herself stepped up. “My daughter just witnessed a tragedy, do you really believe that she is in the right frame of mind to speak on this matter in this very moment?” Amara’s voice was strong.

The news anchor stared at Amara, “I’m sorry Duchess.” She spoke, her voice softer. “Just one question, Miss Greystoke, if I may.”

Skylar stared to the woman and gave a nod. “Yes.” She spoke, she stared around, the scene was so busy with emergency crews. This was a tragedy. Something this city didn’t normally see.

“Miss Greystoke is this related at all to Officer Sarálonde?” The woman held the mic forward.

Skylar shook her head, “No. It has nothing to do with Ren…or her award…nothing at all.”

The news woman smiled, excitement in her expression. “Do you know who is behind this tragedy?”

“Enough, we will hold a press conference tomorrow, Lilly.” Mavis stepped up then. He wrapped his arm around his daughter. “Come on, Sky.” He looked to Eva. “Come.” He wrapped his arm around her as well. Amara followed the group to the car. It was a beautiful classic with sweeping lines and a boxy front end. The paint was a glorious ruby red. “Come on then.” Mavis helped Skylar inside of the car. He then helped Eva. He hugged Amara and kissed her cheeks before he helped her in and climbed in. “To home, Booker.” He spoke as he shut the door. The car zoomed off. Mavis looked to his daughter. “Goodness…” He looked her over, “You’re alright? Sky? Eva?” He looked to Eva and searched over her looking for injuries as well.

“I’m okay, father.” Skylar spoke softly. “Shaken up.” She gave a slight nod.

Mavis leaned back in his seat and sighed softly. He hugged Amara and kissed the top of her head. “Ayla called us.” He spoke softly. “We were worried sick…”

Amara reached forward with a kerchief and wiped a bit of blood from Skylar’s nose. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Sky…” She whispered softly, “I can’t imagine losing you…”

The rest of the ride was silent. When they arrived back at the mansion Mavis helped Eva and Skylar from the car. He led them upstairs to Skylar’s bedroom. It was huge. The floors were a gorgeous pine wood. A fireplace was set in the middle of the room, open on all sides. The flames crackled within happily dancing about. Her bed was set forward from the wall behind it where the entrance to we walk-in closet was located. Her room was tidy. A huge window overlooked the city below them.

Amara hugged her daughter for a long moment. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Sky.” She spoke again, her eyes full of worry. The idea that her daughter could have died terrified her.

Mavis gave a hug to Skylar as well, his arms held her for a long moment. “Rest.” He spoke softly. He hugged Eva, “Thank you for helping keep her safe. Ayla told me you kept her safe, you and Ren.” He gave a gentle smile before he left the room with Amara.

Booker lay out a tank top and bottoms on the end of the bed. He grabbed another set and gave a gentle smile. “It’s good to see you well…” He spoke, “Good night, Miss Greystoke.” He then slipped from the room.

Skylar stood still for a long moment, she slipped the dress from her body and stepped over to the mirror where she stared into it, she placed her fingertips over the pink raised scar from the puncture wound from the dagger. “Eva…” She whispered softly. “Lucille…healed me…she fixed a stab wound…she….” She pulled on her pants, now standing only in her pajama bottoms. “How….” She whispered. She turned and stepped to Eva. She stared into Eva’s eyes for a long moment, “How does that happen?” She took Eva’s fingers and held them over the stab wound, it was still warm, her body was still mending beneath the scar.

Skylar pulled on her black tank top and sat down on the edge of the fireplace. She fumbled with her hands slightly as she listened to Eva speak. She felt incredibly tired. Skylar moved eventually, she stood and sat down next to Eva at just the moment that Eva said something about Ren. “Ren…” She muttered softly. She was off in another world. Her mind had been racing since the glass shattered. Then Eva asked her if she was okay. “I…” She blinked a few times and then shook her head. “I suppose I am…I’ve never…” She fumbled with her hands. “I killed someone….I didn’t mean to…” She whispered softly. “I just…I was trying to keep everyone safe…” She remembered the cloudy daze of power that she felt like she had succumbed to. Skylar remembered the feeling of the dagger stabbing into the man’s back, and then the quick rush of adrenaline as she kicked him to the floor. Skylar looked in his direction, briefly when she was ushered out of the restaurant by the officers that were corralling the crowd. He lay on his chest, a pool of blood beneath him in the thin Berber carpet. It was his eyes though. His eyes caught her attention. He stared off, as if he was still alive, though his eyes were glassy, his mouth was open slightly, blood leaked from his nose and mouth. “I killed him.” She whispered softly. She shifted her weight uncomfortably. The remote to her television sat on the bed next to her, in her shift a button on the remote clicked and the television that was mounted above the fireplace clicked on.

“I’m Lilly Porter and I’m getting you the news first here on the only channel that has footage with our town hero. News Now 21.”

Skylar stared up at the television, flashing lights shone on the building of the restaurant behind Lilly. Skylar lifted the remote and clicked the volume up on it a few times until it was at a comfortable level. Her face showed on the screen. Skylar blinked a few times as she stared to the moment that the lights shone on her face, the fear in her eyes, her voice trembled. And then, just as soon as it was there, her mother and father came in to the rescue.

“A miracle happened here tonight. Our town hero Officer Sarálonde was here having dinner with Miss Greystoke and her wife, celebrating her honorable mention. We have raw footage of what happened inside.”

The screen flipped over to the shaky view from a smart phone camera. It showed Ren as she flipped the tables over, providing protection. It even showed everything up until her getting shot and stumbling backward only to fire more shots, protecting everyone, but especially ensuring the protection of Ayla. The screen flashed back to Lilly who stood with a smile on her lips. “If it wasn’t for Ren, many more lives would have been lost this evening. I am glad to report that our hometown hero is safe, and only has a minor injury to her shoulder. We have gotten word that she will be released to her home soon. Duke Greystoke has promised a press conference with News Now 21 tomorrow, an exclusive inside look to who the criminals are that attacked the people inside our beloved Italian restaurant tonight. Before I hand it over to Jerry back at the station I would like to leave you with one more awesome video footage that was caught tonight by an inside witness. Way to kick ass, Skylar Greystoke.”

The screen switched again. It showed Skylar blocking her attacker with the dagger and flipping him onto his back on the ground she then turned and fought off another one of the men before the screen went black. Skylar bit her lip slightly as the news continued on. She looked to Eva for a long moment. “Eva…are you okay?” She asked, her voice was soft. “I was so worried that you were hurt…” She lowered her eyes and fumbled with her hands. “I worried when I couldn’t find you, you…you were there…and then you were gone…”