The Battle 17.2

This time Rowena's face paled. Vione's questions cornered her. The calm expression she usually wore was now gone, replaced by fear and hesitation. Her mouth opened and her lips quivered as if she wanted to say something, but not a word came out. Her hands, cold in Vione's grasp, and the inner turmoil reflected in her eyes told a different story.

"Vi-Vione." Rowena took a deep breath and finally whispered. Her voice was almost choked by the emotions that constricted her chest. "There are things we shouldn't change, even if we want to with all our hearts." She shook her head, trying to explain as gently as possible. "Fate is not something we can play with at will."

Rowena's answer gave Vione a clue. And so, she persisted. She answered Rowena's words with unwavering determination. "I don't want to toy with fate, but I can't accept all this. I..." She bit her lower lip, trying to hold back the storm of emotions raging in her chest. "...just want a second chance, Ma. A chance to save the p