"Never," I whisper. "I swear to you I'll never say a word of what you just told me. Your secret is safe with me, Thea," I whisper.

She cries harder, sobs racking her entire body.

"I'm sorry to burden you with this," she says brokenly. "I think being home just got to me and I..."

"No. Don't even mention it. We're friends, are we not?"

"Thank you." She swallows hard. "Thank you."

"I'll do what I can to help you avoid any talk of marriage," I tell her, slowly patting her back.

She nods, leaning back to grab more tissues, blows her nose, and wipes the smudged eyeliner from under her eyes. It takes her a few moments to get herself under control as her sobs subside, but the same helplessness is still echoed in her features.

"Is this why you're still in the game? Why you didn't quit when Ze and Cer did?"

Her lips flatten into a thin line.

"If I can take advantage of that loophole, I want to do it. It might be my only way out of this."

"Then all the more reason to win." I smile.

"You're right. We need to win." She pushes her chin up, newfound confidence slowly suffusing her features. "Now let's get ready for this dinner."

She quickly does my makeup before fixing hers. For my hair, she does a single braid that she wraps into a bun at the back of my head.

When we're done with that, she helps me pick a dress and shoes suitable for the occasion. And to make me feel more confident since the dress has a lower neckline, Thea covers the marks on my chest with foundation.

"This is such a pretty gown," I whisper, feeling both pretty and like myself for the first time in forever. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, and the lack of dark spots on my skin shows me the what-ifs—who I would be without the stain of my past to always remind me I'm still a prisoner despite being free.

The dress is long, a light pink color, with an empire waist and square neckline. The sleeves are made of diaphanous lace that flows down my arms. Although simple in design, the luxurious fabric elevates the entire look.

For the shoes, she gives me a pair of white slippers with a little bit of heel and a single jewel on the tip.

"You look so beautiful." She nods, pleased with her work.

As she regards me, her head tilts to the side, a look of concentration on her face. Slowly, her lips spread in a smile.

"My sister is on her way here. I hope you don't mind," she mentions.

Not a moment later, someone knocks on the door.

Thea opens it to receive her, immediately wrapping her arms around her and hugging her tight.

"Thea, you were gone for so long," the girl cries out, her voice young and lively.