[i]SUBSPACE PACKET SEND (Y/N?)[/i]

The words throb. Redana lies on the damp sheets, staring upwards. The words shine and she can’t stand them. She can’t touch them. There’s something sitting on her chest and crushing her.

She rubs one thumb on the largest piece of Bella’s special collar. The one she picked out special. The one she meant to be a gift. Here you are, Bella! Have a reminder of how special you are!

[i](Y/N?)[/i]

[i]Bella, I’m sorry. Please go home.[/i]

No. Maybe it’s the words that are wrong. She edits with a shaking hand. [i]Bella, I’m (your princess.) (Come) home.[/i] No. Stupid. No. [i]Bella, I (meant to come back.)[/i] But she didn’t. Not until it was too late. She saved Alexa so that Alexa could turn around and kill a stupid old man. Wow! Two for two on trusting murderous bodyguards! Spectacular!

[i]Bella, I (miss you.)[/i]

Stupid. Bella doesn’t miss her. Bella hates her. Bella is a mask. Underneath is just another Mynx. Just another assassin. Stop. Don’t think about the “good times.” Don’t ruin them.

Don’t let that stain spread like mold. It ruins every smile and every curtsey and every adorable squeak. Because she wanted a friend, now everything, every day, every outing, every activity is soiled. Because she’d trusted. Because she thought she’d get one thing that was hers. That was special. That would love her.

Stupid! Stupid stupid stupid! Bella was right! Alexa was right! She’s stupid. She’ll fall for anything. Well, look out, world. It’s time for a new Redana who doesn’t fall for anything! Who takes the universe as it is!

[i]Bella, I—[/i]

[i]Bella—[/i]

[i]MESSAGE DELETED.[/i]

She tosses the collar shard into a corner of the room and shoves her face aggressively into her pillow to sweat out the fever. She draws her knees up and makes a huddled mass of sweat-soaked blankets to hide from the universe just a little bit longer.