Abigor Killian was in bold-faced neutral, wearing the Silver clothes, a stunning embroided coat of heavy silk and trousers of the same material. He winked at the oncoming slaught of Purples, totally ignoring Deborah.

It pained me to say I almost thought that he was an okay person, because obviously the only good things he did were really for himself,  but saving my life- No, I had long given up on wondering about that. Why did he have to come and make such a scene every time?

I turned back to interrogate Deborah.

" Tell me about Alarie!" I demanded quietly," I saw Astoria, but something happened to her and it was all my fault, why did I let them go-"

Deborah shook her head slightly and pointed with her head to the area behind me, but I just glared. Why did everyone go so hyper when they saw the President's – the guy may I remind you all, who murders people and tortures for a living- son – who will probably turn out to be as terrible.

I snarled internally at the disgusting piece of filth that never stood up for the rights of this country, even though it had chance. It could have Done something- It's not that easy, I tried to console myself.

I'll tell you when he's gone, but they're safe. For now, was the unspoken message in her eyes.

I breathed out in relief putting a hand on the cold stone wall and then looked around to watch everyone bowing, Deborah included, their faces full of awe.

For the monster's son- That's enough Faranza. What disturbed me was he was mere inches away from me, watching me closely.

I was stuck, I couldn't do it-

An invisible hand pressed down on my back, firmly but gently, patting me on the shoulder.

Then the moment was over and the rush warmth of air that was the hand, was gone. I knew the smell of that hand though, and the feel of that touch. It was impossible not to. Grandma.

The most beautiful things are not meant to be understood. Only felt with the heart. Her sing-songy voice played in my head. Everything else was gone, and all I could remember was the tilt of her voice as she talked about the Far Off Lands where her German pen-pal from school lived. She would speak of Europe and mighty forceful Britain with a history to speak of, a ting island conquering a hundred and fifty nations centuries ago, merely by force. And then returning to it's state, she said she didn't know what happened to the world after the Coronavirus Breakout. Oh, and the stories she told about those years, 2020 supposedly a new season for hope and happiness, a new decade. And it brought terrible, terrible things. But the worst of all was complete lives destroyed thanks to Covid19. The motto then was 'Stay at home. Stay safe. Save Lives', and there was always a new lockdown going on.

I blinked to see coal-purple eyes gazing into my own and I stood back up from the bow and nodded. Get it over with already, I needed more about Alarie. Astoria looked terrible but if she had been able to make it to the Green area she must have survived, and if so Darian would have too, they were practically twins- oh wait they were- Well they were 'safe' but the flash of green was Alarie, I knew it, I could feel it. But was he really alright?

Alarie smiled at me slowly," Fiancée, how are you today?"

No. No. No. Just stop.

The entire crowd's curious stares focused on me and Deborah's widened with accusation, I blushed as prettily as I could, but the blush was not fake, more like anger at the handsome man in front of me, eyebrows pulled up in mischief.

" Great, fiancé," I spat the last word as discreetly as possible. Obviously, I didn't succeed as Deborah looked a little less edgey- just a little, but her eyes had softened a touch though her face was grim and lined.

Humour tickled the dry shadowed face, but I really didn't have time for this.

I ducked my head a fraction then talked to Deborah," Look Blue stop wasting my time, I have no flipping idea what you're on about," I said in a clear normal voice. A slow murmur set around the hall, Purples- and Blues who had just arrived, a few Greens probably in there somewhere, started to talk.

Deborah picked out the hidden message only she could ever understand, it was always a sister thing between us, or what I thought it would be like. – Look I just want to stop time. Give me an idea about it.

Her words were just as careful and she whimpered," It's wrecked, you're a wretched person and I am depressed by the sight of you. But I suppose it'll be okay, I'm so sorry for insulting you. "

It sounded so odd, but I got the message, They're wrecked, no news on the other people. Why did you marry him- Okay I understand, and they'll be alright.

I rolled my eyes, and eased my face into something kind and approachable. I spun round, and walked to Lola, grinning appreciatively at my skills, and Charlie, her face large with wonder.

I felt the eyes of a certain President's boy on me, as I gave Charlie a little," Now don't you look lovely. "

" Go talk to yer fiancé,"Lola barked as soon as I was within earshot, her eyes holding a warning that toldme she was going to rip me apart for not mentioning that," Before the lark roundshim up," she pointed to the Purples, Blues and Greens hurrying up to try flatterhim, mostly girls, but you could tell who were there for serious gratitude forthe monster.

I rolled my eyes at Lola but Charlie grabbed my arm," You are not walking away! "

I laughed and said," Watch me. "

I yanked her hand off my arm and walked right past them all, heading for the Cafeteria.

A certain Green, looking very tense, and rigid as if he had been plastered and struggled to move, bruises clawing his pale throat, glanced my way. Then he smiled, despite all his pain he smiled with no sadness or pain.

My heart burst open at the sight of all his wounds, but I couldn't stop grinning at the sight of his grass green eyes and curly golden locks. He was dressed in the school clothes of a green, a shirt and pants, of lime.

He laughed his eyes singing with the words, You're safe, Fara, you'll always be.

But a question stung in the green, a wavering uncertainty of brown, Did you marry him?

He would never believe the lies until he saw it for himself, my heart almost broke with happiness he hadn't witnessed the scene.

There's no other choice. I sighed.

Alarie's face broke down slowly, but then he pulled himself together and offered a tight-lipped nod, I trust you Fara.

I gave him a real smile of all the love I had at finding him alive and happy like Astoria, Me too. I suddenly noticed there were more Greens loitering around and continued my way, huffing at the annoying Cleansing, no doubt trying to make me pay for what I did before.

I continued through the halls, marble walls, glimmering coral, not really seeing it at all.