[i]She wakes up early, for once. Maybe it’s a dart from some mischievous spirit that wakes her up before dawn. Maybe it’s just her hot stomach complaining about last night’s fish. But she wakes up into a world of broken stillness.

Bella’s still here.

She’s curled up around a pillow, back to Redana, hair loose and messy. (The bun last night had been so precious. She should wear it more.) She’s having some sort of dream; her tail twitches, its tip smacking the lavender sheets, and little clogged growls escape her lips. Her precious fluffy triangles lie flat on her head.

Not knowing what she’s doing, almost dreaming herself, Redana scoots closer and drapes one arm around Bella, pulling her in closer. The growls diminish until they become little nasal purrs, and that ticklish little tail drapes itself over her ankle. And Redana lies there until her stomach settles and she falls asleep to the sound of ragged, soothing snores.[/i]

***

“GET [i]OFF![/i]”

Redana pushes back against the crushing weight of her... of Bella. It’s funny, isn’t it? She can’t do it. She can’t get the leverage to get Bella [i]off[/i]. She’s weak and useless and stupid and— there. Bella arches her back for a moment, redistributing weight on Redana’s wrist, and Redana acts on instinct. Knees go up, ramming into Bella’s stomach; legs go out, and up, flipping her over. Pain sparks at her wrist and cheek where claws try to dig in.

Up on her feet, turn, back away. Bella’s going to pounce. Bella, the predator. Bella, the [i]liar.[/i] Bella, who never really cared. Dany’s face is hot. It’s the sting of pain from those narrow scratches. That’s why her eyes are so hot. That’s why.

[i](I trusted you. From the first moment I saw you. I just wanted a friend. That’s all I ever wanted.)[/i]

“Wuh-watch me,” Dany stammers, almost naked, flushed, crying (stop it stop it stop it). And she flings herself away, because Bella can’t look at her any more, Bella isn’t allowed to be with her anymore, she shoves aside a fluttering of owls and forces open a door.

She does not know what is on the other side. But even if it flings her into Tartarus, it would be better than staying here. Let the Furies take her; they would be kinder.

[Princess Redana Claudius rolls snake eyes to Get Away.]