The woman came to Lucina after Gabriel was done beating her. Every time. She quietly helped Lucina and nursed her back to health. But she had never shown herself apart from then until a year after Lucina's first miscarriage when Lucina woke up to the woman standing by the bed.

Lucina was careful not to wake Gabriel as she sat up watching the woman. Lucina was the first to speak.

"Who are you?"

The woman smiled slightly, "My name is Celaena." She held out her hand, "I can help you. I can take you away from here. I'll give you power. No one will ever hurt you again."

Lucina looked at her hand before looking at the woman again. "What's the catch?"

"There are so many miserable people in the world. People whose choices have been chosen for them. I want to help them. I can't help them alone."

"What sort of power will you give me?"

"I will give you the ability to cast runes."

"I've never used runes before. I don't know how."

"I'll give you all the knowledge you need. You'll be a master in moments."

Lucina looked at the bed where Gabriel slept soundly. Celaena's offer sounded tempting. "How do I know he won't kill me if I try to leave?"

"I'll grant you the gift of immortality. He won't be able to kill you."

Lucina stepped towards Celaena, "I will accept your offer, but I want something."

"What is it?"

Lucina looked down at Gabriel. "One more week. I want one more week here before I leave."

Celaena nodded and Lucina took her beckoning hand.

It didn't hurt. But Lucina staggered as thoughts and images, like a tsunami, flooded her mind. She understood symbols she had never seen before in her life, like she learned a new language in a second. It was overwhelming. 

Lucina let go of Celaena's hand and slipped to the floor. She exhaled softly, closing her eyes. 

"Thank you."

Celaena was gone like a whisper of wind.

Lucina looked at Gabriel for a moment before walking out of the room.

Not yet. She must bide her time. She must wait. Be careful. This had to be done right.