My head was spinning as my escort led me back to my room.  Not Aria.  She couldn't be dead.  Not sweet, gentle Aria. 

I felt tears wetting my lashes as I opened my door and slammed it behind me without a word to the escort. I leaned against the door, letting my palms lie flat against the hard wood.  As I did, I tossed the laptop on the bed. 

Then I walked stiffly forward into the bathroom and took a shower.  The cold water felt amazing, like it was washing away the guilt and dread.  I stepped out and wrapped myself in a fluffy robe before sliding down to the floor and staring at the ceiling. 

Was I to blame for Aria's death?  Yes.  But not completely.  I had to remember that.  This was the Institute's doing; I couldn't fall into a depression.  It was not all my fault. 

I repeated the words a few times in my head as my wet hair dripped onto the ground.  Then I stood and dug through a closet of clothes.  I grabbed a black hoodie and sweat pants and changed.  They were ill-fitting, but worked well enough. 

Then I went back to my spot on the floor and laid down on my back to think.  It was surprisingly comfortable with the thick carpet. 

Aria.  She was dead.  Stop, I mentally scolded myself. 

Revenge.  That was the only thought that remained.  Revenge.  I could go along with Damian's plan.  Revenge. 

I closed my eyes and slept, dreaming of old memories.  Especially Aria. 

~~~~~~~~~

It was a few hours later when I finally woke.  My stomach rumbled and I stood up with a groan. Food was on the table, and the laptop was open, displaying a message. 

I ignored it and fell upon the table, chowing down a burger and fries and, yes, a Starbucks caramel frap.  It was amazing. 

Finally when I was done, I leaned back in my chair and grabbed the laptop from the bed.  I placed it on the table and touched the pad to make it come to life. 

Immediately, a message popped up. 

Eristina, I came by to get you but you were sleeping.  So I went out and got some food for you, plus a little treat from Starbucks.  Regina, your escort, said you saw the video of your friend.  I have to say, I'm so, so sorry.  That must hurt a lot.  I hope you see now that the world is better off without the Institute.  No matter what they told you, they're not your friends.  Please trust me Eris. 

Damian

I stared at the words and reread the message again.  Then I closed the laptop and threw it to the floor.  I didn't need his help or sympathy.  I crumbled the Starbucks drink in my fist before tossing it in a trash can beside the bed. 

I paced the room slowly, thinking.  A plan started to form in my head, and I nodded a few times to myself.  It would work.  

Then I opened the door and stepped into the hallway.  I lingered there a moment before moving confidently down the path.  I needed to find Damian. 

It was harder than I thought.  Apparently, it was nighttime, although you wouldn't be able to tell because we were underground somewhere.  So it took about a half an hour before someone finally noticed me on the cameras.  A few minutes later, four people dressed entirely in black surrounded me.  They wore the same black masks that Damian had. 

"Where's Damian?" I questioned.  But they were silent.  I glared at them until a silent signal was given and they grabbed my arms.  If they expected me to resist, they were mistaken.  I went with them willingly.  What more could they do to me? I'd already been through hell. 

They led me back to the command room, where I watched my friends get taken and the other one die.  I was pushed into a chair and three of them left, leaving a single guard.  I glanced around the command room.  It was completely silent and all the screens were off, a very different scene compared to the bustling room hours before.

"Eristina.  What's all this about?" Damian asked, running a hand over his face to cover a yawn. 

"Change of plans.  I'm going in alone to the Institute.  I don't need the team. I'll blow the place up for you, and I'll do it willingly.  I have one condition.  You tell me everything that's going on.  Give me information.  Stop keeping me in the dark."

"Uh, no. Listen, Eris...Eristina, whatever.  We need someone with you to make sure you don't sell us out.  As much as I'd love to trust you, I can't.  I'm sorry," Damian apologized.  I thought quickly, trying to come up with a response.  Damian started to turn away. 

"Wait!  Fine.  Just don't give me those pathetic kids out there.  Melanie or Peter, those two are the strongest.  I'll use them."

"Fine whatever.  Do we have to be having this discussion at three in the morning?  Oh, and another thing: Artesia isn't happy with you. Try not to stay on her bad side, k?"  He warned.  I smiled inwardly.  Oh I was staying on her bad side alright.  

"Good.  Thank you.  Tomorrow, can we talk?  And you'll explain some things?"

"Sure.  Go back to bed.  We'll discuss tomorrow," Damian yawned.  He gestured to me and I stood and followed him out the door.  He led me back to my apartment and pushed me in. 

"Now, please, stay in there until I come get you in the morning.  I'll see you at seven-thirty." Damian waved over his shoulder as I leaned against the doorway. 

"Can't make any promises!" I shouted back with a wry smile.  The I shut the door and fell upon the bed.  I was asleep within minutes. 

Sorry it's such a short filler chapter! The next one will explain a little more, I promise.  Thanks for reading!!    :)