'Blast it. Blast it all.'
Celeste's entire body trembled.
An enormous weight pressed down on her chest.
Why did they have to sacrifice themselves for her?
Why?!
She wasn't anyone special - she was just another normal human being.
Why did Oakia have to entrust her with the sapling? Why did her Sponsor choose her?
Full of sadness and bitter indignation, Celeste's frame shook.
She clenched her trembling fists, tears streaming fully down her face.
In the distance, as if they could smell the enticing presence of human flesh, a litany of snarls, growls and roars drowned the forest. The sound was akin to a gigantic wave, snapping Celeste out of her mournful daze.
She bit her trembling lips.
Gestella was right.
The least Celeste could do was survive. She had to… in order to honour Oakia and everyone else who had sacrificed their lives. As Celeste's determination grew, so too did her resolve.
There would be time to mourn and reflect later, if she survived.
