Azalea took a long, shaky breath, her hand—which had been hovering in the air—falling limp at her side. Her sharp gaze softened as she looked at the tears streaming down my cheeks. Or rather, our cheeks.
I could feel it. In the deepest recesses of my consciousness, Cienna was cowering. She wasn't acting. She was genuinely terrified by the sight of the helpless Selene and the explosion of Azalea's rage. Her sobs traveled through my vocal cords, leaving my voice hoarse and small.
"I'm sorry, Azalea," I whispered, and this time, there was a jagged edge of painful honesty in my tone.
"I... I couldn't stop her."
Azalea rubbed her face harshly, trying to process the drastic shift in my demeanor.
"Fine, Kairi. Or whoever is crying right now. We have to get Selene to the infirmary."
Helena moved to help Azalea support Selene's limp body. But just as they prepared to step out, a shadow materialized in the doorway.
Milena.
