Chapter 360 - Bypassing (not so) mainframes
Scarlett remained on the ruined platform where they’d fought the Cabal troupe, lingering until Rosa stirred. Thankfully, Allyssa’s estimate had been accurate, and within minutes, the bard shifted with a faint groan, eyes fluttering open as her fingers twitched against the stone.
Kat was already kneeling beside her, one hand firm on Rosa’s shoulder to keep her from rising too fast. “Welcome back to the land of the conscious,” she said. “You alright? You took a pretty nasty blow to the head.”
Rosa blinked, her gaze drifting past Kat. She tilted her head slightly, taking in the shattered platform and the deep gouges in the stone. Then her eyes settled on Scarlett, and something like awe softened her features. “You did all of this for me…?”
Scarlett gave her a flat look. “I was not the one responsible for this destruction.”
“Oh.” A flicker of disappointment crossed Rosa’s face, though it was likely more show than not.
Kat cleared her throat and held up three fingers. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
Rosa squinted. “Are we talking about you, or your evil twin? Either way, it’s three.”
Kat raised her brows and glanced over at Scarlett. “…Should I be worried, or...?”
“You should not,” Scarlett replied, shaking her head. “If she retains the energy to be flippant, she is more than likely fine.”
Rosa chuckled weakly. “You know me too well, Red. Here I was hoping for some sympathy, and all I get is cold pragmatism.” She winced. “Has my suffering wrung not even a sliver of concern from that thorn-covered heart of yours?”
Scarlett regarded her for several seconds. “…Do you expect me to say it has not? I do not intend to jest or lie.”
Rosa blinked again. For a moment, a flicker of genuine surprise crossed her face.