(ALICE)
My eyes are only half open as I stare at the brightly lit chandelier above me. I can't move anymore. I can't scream anymore. I can feel my body growing cold. Is this what death is like? Will I finally be at peace now?
The pain stops.
I close my eyes, wanting to laugh miserably. Why is it that every time I am on the cusp of death, I am not allowed to die? Even now, I'm still breathing.
Why?
Someone is holding me to them, lifting me up. I hear Mary's cries. "Alice! Alice, look at me!"
I open one eye, but I can't focus at first. I don't want to focus. I want this to end.
"The sealing is complete. We will brand her now. Step aside, please. We are going to remove her clothing."
"That's enough!" I hear Jason say angrily. "She's been through enough. You can do that later!"
"Your Highness—" I see the witch closest to me turn toward Darian.
