Rosalyn

All Rosalyn could do was helplessly stare as Sebastian glowing eyes began to tear up.

Everyone was outside, lingering by the door, as two soldiers stood next to Sebastian; one of them holding him firmly, a gun pressed to him. The other one stood tall next to them, his stare shifting as he looked at everyone.

Rosalyn had never seen Sebastian truly scared before. Even in the Capitol, when he was beat up and confused, he never seemed scared. If anything, it was a face of concern. Concern for Malakai and Hyemi and their safety.

Sebastian being scared was an odd sight, and it sent aching pains to Rosalyn's chest. His jaw was clenched shut, but his eyes spoke words his mouth never could. Words of worry, distress, misery. He remained rigid in the mans forceful grip, and it pained Rosalyn that she had never seen Sebastian triggered before.

Well, she probably had. But instead of Malakai's responsive antics like she had seen, Sebastian fell completely still.

The solider not holding Sebastian took a step forward. "We've gotten orders directory from President Arthur Veil and Vice President Isaac Bonavich to retrieve Miss Rosalyn Bonavich and Subject Zero and bring them back to the East Capitol immediately."

Rosalyn froze at his words. They wanted her and Malakai before anyone else. Sebastian was being used, just like he was used to pry Malakai's power out of him. Again, he was in the worst position.

The solider continued. "While we also have direct orders to bring all subjects back, those two are the priority, and we will only take them—for now."

Even if they only took Rosalyn and Malakai, they would be back for the others. However, there were only two soldiers. Malakai could likely take them, but with his best friend being threatened, she knew Malakai would not fight if it meant risking Sebastian's safety.

And she was right. He took a step forward, clenching his hands into fists to show that he would not use his power.

"If you let him go, will you just take me?"

Rosalyn stepped up next to him before the soldier could respond. "No. Just take me. I'm sure my father would be disappointed if you returned without me."

She really did not know if that was true, but she acted confident in her words. If anything, she would go with them if it meant more time of freedom for the others. She wouldn't be able to bear the subjects being captive again, and it surely would shatter any sliver of hope they had. She would return; that made more sense.

Her family would want her back more than anything. Right?

The soldier didn't seem to care who tried to play hero. "We are required to bring you both back."

The grip on Sebastian grew tighter, and Rosalyn could see Malakai physically wince at the sight. She remembered back to when Malakai cried as Sebastian was being beaten by the soldiers; the way he pulled against his restraints, and how his body racked with sobs and uncontrollable shivers.

And Rosalyn knew that she and Malakai would be heading back to the Capitol, because there was no way Malakai would let anything happen to Sebastian, or Hyemi.

But instead, he reached out and snatched Rosalyn, pulling her against his chest, holding her almost the same way the soldier was holding Sebastian.

Rosalyn shrieked at the sudden movement, but Malakai kept his hold steady; one hand across her waist, while the other was pressed against her neck, making her head tilt upwards. She trusted Malakai, but his actions felt stronger than usual, more forceful.

She could feel his hot breath against her neck. "A shame if Bonavich's daughter died during your mission, wouldn't it?"

What was he doing? Rosalyn fell limp against him, trying to calm her body. She knew Malakai would not hurt her, but horrid thoughts crossed her mind. But would he? He would save Sebastian over me. Not only that, but his words were so dominant, as if he controlled the entire situation, as if he was the one who had the whole ordeal in the palm of his hand.

But even if Rosalyn wanted to get away, she couldn't. His hand was pressed firmly across her neck, two fingers upward towards her chin, and one slight move and he could use his power.

The soldier's flinched at the act, and now everyone was standing still, unsure of their next movements.

She felt Malakai's chest breath in and out, and could verbally hear him sigh. "Or perhaps, you don't care?"

His words sounded so true, so real. He seemed confident, in control, but Rosalyn knew how he really felt. She knew it was all a show, because Malakai was trembling underneath.

His hands were shaking against her body, his fingers fidgeting. His entire body shook, and Rosalyn could feel it all. She could feel his racing heart, hear his panted breaths. He was not confident; he was merely afraid. Afraid that Sebastian could be taken away from him, and most likely terrified of going back to the Capitol. But would his frightful mind betray him? Would he let Rosalyn go if it meant saving himself?

The soldier shook his head and took another step forward. "We please ask that you don't hurt Miss Rosalyn—"

"In exchange for what?" he ordered.

Rosalyn could only hope this was some sort of plan. She hoped this was only a show, just to scare the soldiers. If so, Malakai was an incredibly good actor. If not, Rosalyn finally knew how much he cared for her. She would be able to see if his kindness was only an act.

"Too slow," Malakai murmured, and Rosalyn felt a burning sensation all around her neck, where his hand was pressed. She cried out at the odd—pain? No, it wasn't necessarily painful, but it ached and sent a wave of discomfort over her body.

Her sudden cry was enough to make the soldiers flinch. One stumbled over his words. "We'll j-just take Miss Rosalyn."

She felt Malakai hum, the vibration pressed against her back. He let go of her neck for just a moment as he gestured to Sebastian. "Let him go first."

"But how are we supposed to know you won't—"

Rosalyn let out another dragged cry. The ache grew deeper, and for a moment, she wondered if Malakai wasn't pretending. She had only ever felt his hand of healing, but his hand of hurt was an odd sensation. She knew he was taking it easy on her, but his touch sent bolts through her neck all the way to her feet. It made her body feel heavy, and she slumped a little further into his grasp.

But as she felt the discomfort, it was immediately chased after by that same tingling feeling from when Malakai healed her that one day. She finally realized what he was doing.

He was trying to get a reaction out of Rosalyn to scare the soldier's, but right after, he was healing her.

She did not know he could transition his powers like that, let alone heal the own ache he first conflicted, but it only took a second for her aching to disappear. And when the soldiers hesitated again, he would use his painful power only to shake her up a little. But she could hardly feel it after he healed her. She couldn't believe it. How could he switch powers like that?

"Okay, okay," the soldier holding Sebastian sighed. "Fine. But you need to promise to let go of her as well."

Rosalyn could feel him reposition, slightly letting some of the pressure off. "Deal."

The soldier's arms went to his sides, and Sebastian pivoted away, pulling himself to the side. Rosalyn could almost feel the stress leaving Malakai's body, but she was still very concerned. Was she going back to the Capitol?

When Sebastian was a safe distance away, Malakai released her. She paused, unsure of what to do. One of the soldiers beckoned her to move forward, and she sensed nobody else trying to stop her.

Rosalyn's mind was screaming. I don't want to go back! Somebody do something! But as she took a step, nothing changed. She felt a deep sense of betrayal. She had left her family, her life, for the others freedom, and this is what she got in return? She thought Malakai and the others were good people...

They are, Rosalyn corrected herself. She had to understand the circumstance. The subjects needed to be saved. Rosalyn would need to be the sacrifice.

As she took a few steps further, closing the gap between her and the soldiers, she wanted to cry. What would her father say? How could she face her mother again? Would Vivienne still love her the same? Her future had never been so unknown.

A part of her flinched at the thought of leaving Ingrid, Malakai, Sebastian, Hyemi. While Ingrid was her close friend, the subjects were newcomers, and Rosalyn realized that she would miss them. She had laughed at Sebastian's jokes, talked to Hyemi, cried into Malakai's chest. Maybe, maybe, Rosalyn found a happier place to be, a better way to live.

Tears piled up in Rosalyn's eyes, and she walked close enough within arms reach of the soldiers. But before one of them could touch her, she sensed a powerful force move past her face.

The solider's shook, and they were unconscious before they hit the ground. Rosalyn looked down, wide-eyed, at the solider's. And when she turned around, she saw Malakai's palms lowering, his curls flopping over his forehead, short of breath.

She sunk to her knees. She could barely hold herself up from—relief? She hardly knew herself. But soon enough, Ingrid was leaning beside her, speaking in a soft tone, soothing her.

Rosalyn eventually sat back, her legs sprawled outward as she looked at everyone. Malakai and Hyemi were around Sebastian, and a minute later, Malakai leaned down next to Rosalyn.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" she looked up at his emerald eyes, and she saw them watering. His hand was pressed gently on her collarbone, ready to heal. Rosalyn looked back down where Malakai's hand was, but she saw her skin free of marks; he had already healed them the moment he caused it.

"Are you hurt?" he asked again between panted breaths.

She shook her head, but her mind was buzzing with negative words, scared thoughts of going back to the Capitol.

Malakai sat down closely next to her, his hands resting over her own in her lap. A tear slipped from his eye. "I am sorry, I am so sorry, Rosalyn." he began. "I didn't—I didn't want to hurt you."

"It was smart, what you did," Ingrid chimed in. "But also, that had me scared like no other."

Rosalyn took comfort in his hands holding hers. But she couldn't help but think, minutes ago, she had doubted him. How could she? How she could doubt the boy who had done so much for her—and barely knew her?

Ingrid, Sebastian, and Hyemi stood around, while Malakai glued himself next to Rosalyn. She could feel the shaking in his hands, and she wanted to cry once again. What had just happened?

"I—" Rosalyn could hardly think. "I didn't want to go back."

"Oh, no," Malakai spoke. "I would never want that to happen. I wouldn't let that, happen. I am sorry."

"He saved both of our asses," Sebastian said. His voice was hesitant, softer. He was still shaken up with the events, righty so.

It was all an act, she reminded herself. A good one, she reckoned, because Malakai had her thinking he would actually give her up. He wouldn't, she concluded, and seeing this was proof.

Hyemi took a breath. "How did they even get this far back here?"

"Well," Sebastian began. "When I said I went for a walk, I roamed a little bit, and may have wounded up on the edge of town. And—I wasn't wearing my sunglasses."

While Hyemi would usually yell at him for that, she only nodded. Everyone was on edge, full of emotions, and so everyone was careful.

"What do we do with them?" she asked, glaring at the unconscious soldiers next to Rosalyn and Malakai.

Malakai looked up, keeping his hands firm on Rosalyn's. "They'll be out for around two hours. Can we, move them, somehow?"

"Trackers," Rosalyn said. She nodded at the soldiers. "In their pockets."

Malakai's hands left hers only to scramble to the soldiers, grabbing both trackers as he held them in his hand. He handed her the devices and she disabled them, tossing them to the ground next to her.

"Their car is at the edge of the woods," Sebastian said. "Maybe we could get the car first?"

Ingrid nodded. "Yes. Let's get the car, put them inside, and drive the car somewhere farther. I'm sure they'll remember everything when they wake up, but it's the best shot we have. We have two hours." she looked at both Sebastian and Hyemi. "Sebastian, are you able to drive with me over there? Hyemi?"

They both nodded as Hyemi wrapped an arm around Sebastian's shoulder. He was shaken up, but even he had calmed down a bit. Rosalyn still felt utterly numb.

"You two stay here. Bring her inside, Malakai. We'll be back."

Immediately, Rosalyn felt strong arms help lift her to her feet, and she was led by Malakai into the house. He helped her sit down on one of the couches, being careful. But she could only scoff as her mind finally cleared and she could think through the recent event more clearly.

"I can walk on my own," she nearly hissed.

She knew he wanted to retaliate, because the entire time they walked, she had leaned into him like she needed the help, but instead he showcased a sorrowful stare.

Malakai sat next to her. "I wouldn't have let you gone back with them. I would never ever do that to you, Rosalyn. I promise that. I don't know how I can make it up to you, but please. Please, I know it scared you—but can you forgive me? Gosh, probably not, I'm so sorry—"

She nodded right away, though, cutting his words short. He had never rambled like that, which showed her that he truly did care. She almost could believe it; having someone care for her like that? It was foreign to her.

But little did he know, Rosalyn had already forgiven him, even before she knew she would be saved.

And while she realized that she had forgiven him, she was shocked at herself. Because Malakai could have let her go and she probably wouldn't have been angry. She never knew someone could posses such power.

•••

Chapter song: arrow // half•alive

Heyo! Going strong with these updates. I can't believe myself tbh lol. I'm not too proud of this chapter, not gonna lie, but I suppose it's better than nothing!

Thoughts? Seb is saved! Everyone is okay! No worries (for now MWHAHAHA). I'm horrible.

Vote, comment, you do you fam!

Until Next Time,
Grace