27-For Eden

~Hazel~

I instantly feel the change in my environment before I open my eyes and see we're back inside the cabin. I take in a deep breath, thankful we made it back. Sure, the plan failed, but we're safe, and we can come up with a more effective plan. I turn around to approach Eden, only to find her lying on the floor breathing heavily beside her candle, which is barely lit. I rush to her side, careful not to touch her candle.

"She's not going to last much longer, Hazel. Since she didn't die directly, it will take about ten minutes for it to be finalized. Just like your body going back to normal will take time as well. Make good use of the time you have left with her." Rebeka's tone is cold and sharp, but she gives me space. The shock I feel is so overwhelming that my body goes into autopilot. I can't cry. I can't yell. I can't break down and beg The Fates to do something- anything- to keep her here with me.

I want to ask Eden a million questions. Why would she do this? Why wouldn't she