I Tried. I'm Sorry.

Noli’s eyes widened as Malara’s anger reached a boiling point, causing her to grow and shift into that Godly form of pure gold. Noli ducked and covered her head with her arms as debris went flying. Her body shook as adrenaline began to pump through her in a natural fight or flight response. But she would do neither. Because while her body was shaking, her mind was clear. Perhaps, truly for the first time, she felt at peace with her decision to break off her relationship with Malara.

Even as Malara started to scream at her, calling her ungrateful, Noli did not waver. She would not be guilt tripped. Ungrateful? Of course Noli was grateful that Malara took her in while she was homeless. That Malara told her she was beautiful when she had been called ugly her whole life. That Malara was there while Vedite seemingly abandoned her.

None of that would ever change the fact that she was unhappy with Malara.

But there was really no point in bringing any of that up anymore. Noli stood back up, with only one thing to say:

“Goodbye, Malara.”

And she turned to leave, avoiding the debris of Malara’s rage as she climbed up the stairs. Tears were starting to well up in the corners of her eyes once more, but she walked calmly. She needed to…figure out what to do next.

She could get her belongings while Malara was at her fight, and hopefully she could move into the school dorms early…but maybe for now, she would see if maybe she could stay at Shay’s home for the night.

But first…she needed to go through this all over again. This time with Saffron and Crysta.