Hey everyone, it's Silver! I've decided to continue the story because even if only a few people are reading it right now, more people might later, and the fact that even one person is reading it is enough for me right now. Ily you all and tysm for 350 views!

Dusk -

The Report is scheduled to be tomorrow, on a Friday. One day until I can see Dawn again, even if it's only through a screen. Even if she can't see me. I steel myself, trying to be strong like her. She sees me every day, just as I see her in the mirror. We're always with each other, even when we're apart.

Astra has seemed sadder lately, and Luna has been quiet. When Luna's quiet, it means she's planning something.

Brandon and I have been meeting secretly in my room, quietly whispering and laughing. Our plan is almost set. He's been saving money for a long time so we can buy me a new caste. We can get married, and there's nothing his mother can do about it. My heart hurts. What if Dawn doesn't come back in time for the wedding? How long will it be before I can even hear her voice, not just my own again? Mirrors are starting to mean nothing when it's just me staring back. I've managed to fall asleep on my own, starting to get used to not having her comforting presence beside me. The bed is small, but it feels so empty without her.

Austin -

So far, I've been on six dates in one day. Calypso, Nina, Cliffe, Mira, Thea, and Wren are all an interesting bunch, but I can't say I feel any sparks. Especially not with Cliffe. In the next elimination, she'll be gone. One less woman to worry about pursuing.

I need to schedule a date with Dusk, to try to get her to open up a bit more. She doesn't know how much I need her. Pacing in a hallway on the second floor will get me nowhere, so I stop the first maid I see and tell her that I want to see Lady Dusk. The maid smiles conspiratorially, then walks to the Day Wing. Too late, I realize I have not given a location, so I wait at the entrance to the Day Wing. She appears almost immediately, shocking me. On her hands are two short, white, lace gloves, and she fidgets with them nervously.

-o-

We walk in silence, and I think this is the most awkward date out of all the ones I've been on. I think if we didn't need her to donate for Amber, I'd be eliminating her as well, but that's not an option right now. Three months. Three months, and then she can leave.

"So, Lady Dusk, tell me more about your family." I say.

I think I see a hint of a smile on her face, but it disappears as quickly as it comes.

"What's else is there to talk about?" She asks rudely.

I hold back a grin. Finally, some kind of personality from her.

"Fair." I say nonchalantly.

I hold out my arm for her to take, and to my surprise she loops her arm around mine. Her skin is cold, and I hope I'm warming her. She blinks, and for a moment, her gray eyes are hidden. Then, I can see them again.

We finally reach the movie theater and watch in silence. I notice Dusk seems uncomfortable. At the end of the date, I kneel and take her hand. She looks down at me, unsure of what I could be doing.

"Thank you for a lovely date." I say, not meaning it.

I think she snorts, but it's hard to tell because she bursts into a coughing fit and snatches her hand back. Something about the coughs seem suspiciously fake. I take her hand again and kiss the lace before she can take it back. She flinches, but it's so tiny I think I might've imagined it. Well, this Dusk just got a lot more interesting.