~ Starbright ~

"Oh, hey... mission failed... but, on the bright side, at least you know who your soulmate is now," Roman said, knowing full well that Cinder was not going to be pleased with the knowledge that her starbright had gained color after their ill-fated battle with the annoying kid and that huntress.

Cinder, who hadn't realized her gem had changed color until Roman told her, now demanded, "Give me your compact."

"Now, why would you think I carry one of those around?" Roman drawled, clearly intent on prolonging his employer's torment.

"No one walks around with makeup that flawless without a way to touch it up on the go," Cinder snapped. "Hand it over now."

With a heavy sigh, Roman fished out a compact mirror from an inner pocket of his coat and handed it to Cinder.

She snatched it out of his hand with a sarcastic and ungrateful-sounding "Thank you." Then she flipped it open and stared at her starbright in the reflection. Green.

Cinder sighed. At least it wasn't the kid, but still... this was going throw a wrench in her plans, especially if her soulmate (she shuddered at just the thought of that word) decided to seek her out after this.

~oOo~