Red Queen

In the fairy tales, the poor girl smiles when she becomes a princess. Right now, I don’t know if I’ll ever smile again

My life is moving on, no matter how much I want it to stay the same

I—I loved you. I trusted you. I needed you. And now I’m going to die for it.”

I thought you were strong and brave and good. I thought you were better than him.”
Better than Cal. Those are words Maven thought no one would ever say. He flinches, and for a second, I can see the boy I used to know.

I see the blinding flash of light. Purple and white and strong, the strongest thing I’ve ever felt.

Silver and Red, and stronger than both.

Red blood drips from my wounds, and lightning trembles in my skin, declaring what I am for everyone. Overhead, the video screens go dark. But I’ve already been seen. They can’t stop what’s already happened.

It was supposed to protect them, but it is electric, it is lightning, it is mine, and the shield protects me now.

“I have the advantage,” I tell his corpse.

“Kill her! KILL HER!” he roars, pointing down at me through the dome. “SHOOT HER!”