Whatever this fearlessness, this strength, this difference was, she was starting to like it.

Safe wasn't quite what appealed to her right then. Safe wasn't how she felt. Invincible, in control, powerful- those words felt closer to true.

I did survive. I still am. And it won't happen again.

It wasn't the tattoo that had changed her, had given her repossession of her body. It was her actions, her choices. It was finding the path when it looked like there weren't any paths to be found.

I'm still yours, though. That won't ever change, Shadow Girl.

She might scream when the nightmares found her, but not by choice, not when she was awake.