Page 103 of Arianna

But not just them, but myself as well.

She does not fault this.

Our job was to protect her, and I couldn't even do that.

She carries the same scars Kadra and I do in her sweetheart. I failed her, and because of it, I hardened my heart to the point I was empty. Nothing and no one mattered but me.

I put myself first, and in return, I broke my sister’s heart.

How does one come back from that?

And now, being here, all those feelings I suppressed for so long are coming to the surface. Tormenting me.

Breaking me and making me whole at the same time.

Sitting back on the couch, I cross my legs, getting comfortable, and hold onto the envelopes of letters Sebastian gave me.

He is no longer just giving me a future but my past as well.

Gently folding my sister’s letter, I memorize it and tuck it inside the envelope.

I always knew Mila was too good for this world. She was magic in a world of broken people like me. I truly believe she was sent to Kadra and me as a blessing. The only one we ever got.

There could never be another me.

You are wrong, sweet Mila…

There are plenty of people like me in this world.

You are the rare one.

There is no one, and there will never be anyone like you.

I wish I could tell her this.

But I know deep down in my rotten soul that the best thing for her is to be far away from me.

Kadra will never let anything bad happen to her. I know this. I know my sister, and although hatred lives inside her, fueling her… I know that my sister’s damaged heart remains with our youngest sister.

The second night I spent here, I overheard Sebastian and Benjamin discussing my family. That night I learned that my father fell off the face of the planet. No trace. Nothing. Gone.

Good riddance.

Deep down in my soul, I know that she made it happen.

She freed us.

I was supposed to be the one that got us to someday, but it didn’t work out like that. Kadra’s strength is admirable, and it is the reason why she was able to take out our father and claim his crown.

While I planned for freedom and to get us away from him, she acted.

So yes, I know Mila will be okay.

I hope that maybe someday she will be able to forgive me.

But have you forgiven yourself? The logical part of me whispers.

I haven’t, and I don't think I ever will, but somehow I have learned to endure this pain day by day.

---