CHAPTER 73: CHOICE

Hanna’s body began to tremble as she spoke about the events that had transpired that day, but she didn’t stop and let it all out.

Anna stood beside her as she held her hand and patted her back, giving her all the support she needed to continue her words.

Moments later, Hanna finished talking about the events of that night and lowered her head; her body was trembling slightly.

"I-I d-didn’t want to do that," Hanna said in a wobbly voice. Tears fell down her face.

"I-I never wanted that to happen," she continued to mumble with quivering lips; her words were shaky as she poured out all of her thoughts.

"I still see his face... when I sleep, when I look at myself in the mirror, all the time," Hanna said as she paused, gulping for air before she continued.

"H-He looks at me with bloodshot eyes full of tears and a resentful face... and asks why I did that..."

She lifted her head and looked at Anna with a forced smile.

"A-And I don’t say anything... What could I even say?" Hanna stated, as she wiped her tears with her sleeves and looked at Anna with a forced smile. Her eyes, however, betrayed her true emotions of sorrow and hatred for herself.

Anna looked into her eyes for a few moments, after which she pulled her into a tight hug and patted her back.

Hanna’s eyes once again began to flow when she felt the warmth and care of Anna.

"What should I do, Anna?" Hanna questioned in a low voice.

Anna didn’t answer and just tightened her hug.

"Anna-" Hanna was about to speak again, but Anna stopped her.

"Shh..."

Hanna closed her lips and lowered her head on Anna’s shoulders. They stayed in each other’s arms for a few minutes, after which Anna called out.

"Hanna..." She said, her tone gentle.

Hanna didn’t lift her head and only nodded.

"I don’t know if what you did was wrong or if it was right..." She spoke as she caressed Haana’s back. She took a pause and continued.

"I don’t know how you can do or what you should do... but" she paused once again as she let her words sink in.

Hanna lifted her head and looked into Anna’s eyes.

"How you use your powers from now is going to make the real difference." Anna continued without looking away.

Hanna opened her lips to speak, but Anna stopped her by placing a finger on them.

"I know you hate your powers, but if everyone starts to run away from their powers... then people like those who attacked us at the party will continue to do so, and there will be no one to stop them," Anna said as she let go of her and stood up.

"It’s up to you to decide, Hanna. You can choose to help others with your powers or continue to run away. I will support whatever your choice is." Anna turned back towards the door and stepped towards it.

"Think long and hard about this... and tell me what you decide," Anna said, her tone reassuring.

She walked to the door and opened it. She turned towards Hanna for the final time.

"I don’t preach what’s right or what’s wrong... each person has their own opinions and judgment... So," She paused.

"I’ll wait to hear what choice you make, Hanna," Anna said in a pleasant tone.

Hanna looked at her with a smile and nodded.

Anna nodded back and stepped out. She slowly closed the door behind her.

White, who was standing against the wall near the door, straightened his back and walked towards her.

Anna turned towards White and called out to him.

"White."

"Yes, Miss Anieal," White replied with a nod.

"I want Hanna to be left alone," Anna said as she turned her head toward the door which separated her from Hanna.

White, too, turned towards the door as he spoke.

"As you say, Miss Anieal."

Anna turned towards White and nodded as a beautiful smile appeared on her face.

White stared at her smile for a bit longer than usual.

"Let’s go," Anna said as she turned towards the elevator.

Anna’s voice pulled White out of his reverie. White shook his head and followed her.

"Something’s wrong?" Anna questioned with a raised eyebrow as she continued to step forward.

"Nothing..." White replied as he turned his head away from her.

Anna looked at him with a slight frown but a few moments.

’Weird,’ she thought.

And continued walking without thinking much of it.

White, too, didn’t say anything and followed behind her.

Anna and White stepped inside the elevator, and she pressed the button to the top. The elevator shook and began to ascend.

Moments later, the elevator came to a stop with a chime as its door parted open.

Both stepped out of the elevator and walked towards the door leading to Damien’s office.

Anna stopped in front of the door of Damien’s office. She was about to knock, but stopped midway.

’What if he is mad with how I behaved earlier?’

’Should I just go back?’

Anna thought as she stood there without moving. A frown had involuntarily appeared on her face.

"Come in." A gentle voice came from the inside, calling her to enter.

Anna smiled bitterly as she opened the door and walked inside. White didn’t follow and just stood outside.

"Anna." Damien, who stood gazing at the Necron city, called out to her with a gentle smile.

"Brother..." Anna, too, replied with a smile, but her voice had a hint of guilt.

Damien raised an eyebrow and walked towards her.

"What’s wrong, Anna?" He questioned as he held her hand.

Anna looked at him for a few moments and replied.

"I am sorry for acting like that before."

"Haha." Damien chuckled at her words as he stepped closer and gently hugged her.

"I am your big brother. I know you didn’t mean what you said before. But..." Damien said as he took a pause and continued.

"Your words helped me to look past the hatred."

"Hehe." Anna grinned at him and began to chuckle like a little girl.