[b]Alicia Hayden[/b]

Though she wanted to continue the pursuit, Alicia found herself rapidly overruled by Sylvia. June had been injured in her fight, the fire was spreading in this place, and most aggravatingly it seemed that Penny had decided she wanted to destroy the castle. She knew that it was just in her nature to do so but it was still frustrating for her. They hadn't even had any time to free the prisoners from Mariette's control, and they wouldn't have the chance once Penny had done what she wanted to do. And that would leave countless girls in the unwilling service of a Horror.

Taking a moment to address June, Alicia gave her a warm smile as she shook her head. "You held off all those girls by yourself, and that's something. When you have a bit more experience like the rest of us you're going to be something to see," she assured the rookie. There was nothing to be ashamed of in her performance, and Alicia didn't want her blaming herself for their retreat when it was only part of the reason. 

Things rapidly moved to their conclusion, Sylvia making her exit with June, and the others moving to follow her. Alicia wanted to object, to try and buy some time for them to do more, accomplish more. Not just the prisoners who might get caught when Penny brought the castle down, but Janet as well. There had still been no sign of her this entire time, and now they were abandoning her again.

"But...But...gah!" Her protests faltered and fell, replaced by an expression of frustration as she found herself overruled. Initially moving for the exit, she paused, swung back, and grabbed the first couple of books she happened to reach off of the shelves before joining the others in their escape. It wasn't much, but maybe Justine had collected something that would be useful for them when this was all over.

She passed by Sally as tears budded in the corners of her eyes. She was angry at Penny and her monstrous nature, angry at herself for not being more successful, angry at her companions for going along with it and writing off everyone else in the castle. All she could do now was hope that things worked out for them. And somehow she doubted that they would be that lucky.