Eleanor sat at her workbench, her fingers tapping against the surface as she waited for Merit to come in and confess. She had been waiting all day, but there was still no sign of her. Her patience was wearing thin, and she couldn't help but feel frustrated.Deep down, though, Eleanor wished Merit still kept her silence. She had only recently discovered that she was family, and she was still coming to terms with what that meant. She had always been alone, and the idea of having family was both exciting and terrifying. It continued to cloud her better judgment.Eleanor didn't want the only family she had just realized she had to die like that. But at the same time, she knew that she had to pay for what she had done.She couldn't let her emotions get in the way of justice. Merit had killed the Queen, and she needed to be punished for her crimes. That way Eleanor can be exonerated. As the hours ticked by, Eleanor's impatience grew. She couldn't concentrate on her work. She kept checking

Eleanor stood silently in the lab as she waited for Merit to speak. She wanted Merit to be the first one to break the ice as she wondered what could be going on in her mind.Merit, on the other hand, fidgeted with the hem of her coat. She'd never seen her this way. Was she nervous?"Would you like to take a walk with me in the woods? It's such a beautiful day outside."Eleanor hesitated for a moment, eyeing Merit suspiciously. "No, I don't think so," she replied curtly. "I know what you're trying to do. You want to take me out to the woods to kill me where no one will know.""I see why you might think that way. But I only wanted to speak with you where no one else would hear us."Eleanor remained unconvinced, "I don't believe you. Why should I trust you? You're always up to something, and I'm not going to be your next victim.""It's too risky to talk here," Merit pressed on, slyly looking back at the door. "You don't know who might be listening to our conversation."Eleanor watched as

As Eleanor entered the clinic the next day, everyone was stunned to see her walking arm in arm with Merit. Everyone knew the two had always been at each other's throats, constantly bickering and arguing, making it known to everyone who worked at the clinic. No one could believe their eyes as the two laughed and joked with each other, acting as though they were the best of friends.It seemed like something had changed between them, and no one knew quite what to make of it.Eleanor herself never thought a million years that they would be on good terms, let alone become friends. She felt a genuine connection forming between them. It was a strange feeling, but a welcome one.Maybe people really could change, she thought. Maybe it was worth giving others a chance, even if they seemed like the unlikeliest of allies.Merit handed her a beautifully wrapped box that she'd retrieved from her pocket. "Before I forget, I got you this. "I hope you like them," she said with a smile.Eleanor's eyes

Eleanor's morning routine was as predictable as ever. She woke up to the sound of her alarm, got dressed, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed out to the clinic.As the day slowly went by, Eleanor's mind kept drifting toward her plans for Friday with Drakken. They were going on an official date for the first time. It felt exciting and overwhelming at the same time.She was nervous too, but the anticipation of spending time with him outside the palace walls was enough to keep her going. Did she have to buy him a gift for the date? Drakken had bought her flowers, so it was only ethical that she'd repay his kindness.Eleanor approached Emma when the clock struck four in the evening."Emma, can I ask you something?""Sure, what's on your mind?" Emma replied."I was wondering if I could leave a bit early today. I wanted to go into the city to buy a few things."Emma smiled. "Of course, Eleanor. You've been doing great work, and I think you deserve a break. Just make sure you complete all

Eleanor was all over the place with glee that Friday. It was the day she had been looking forward to for days– her date with Drakken. She could hardly contain her excitement as she went about her day at the clinic. Patients came and went, but her mind was elsewhere. She found herself daydreaming about what the evening might bring.As she mixed together portions in the lab, Merit approached her. "Care to share what have you in such a good mood?"Eleanor couldn't help but smile. "It's my date tonight," she said. "I can't stop thinking about it.""Oh, to be in love," Merit let out a dreamy sigh. "You really are lucky."She felt a twinge of pity for Merit. She'd tried to talk Benjamin into accepting her as a mate and he didn't even budge. She silently wished there was something more she could do."I spoke with Benjamin about what you told me," Eleanor confessed."You shouldn't have.""I know. I just want you to be happy."Merit mustered a smile. "I am happy," she said. "Make sure you tell