"--Maddie?!" The name leaves her in a rushed breath before the two collided into each other for a hug, almost knocking Lily down to the ground. Thankfully, the half-demon's equilibrium was enough to hold them both up as the kid, muddied and bloodied up from head to toe, cried in her arms. The older placed a kiss to the top of the younger's head, out of pure instinct. "Jesus fucking Christ, I didn't know she got you too.." She muttered to herself before speaking. "I'm here, calm down, I'm here."
- Madison hated that she’d been found- following a short distance behind someone that said they were taking her somewhere safe. She didn’t want to go somewhere with people. It was fine out here by herself, she was fine being lonely. Home is where she would rather be, sure, but in a place like this she was better off being on her own. Attachments were helpless in hellish places like this. You’d never escape with all of them intact- it was a horrid truth she learned really quickly. It was evident by the level of blood she was covered in. It encased her completely in crimson, some dried, some not. She felt it under her sharp nails and drops stuck in her lashes, tear tracks running through the red and muddy mix. Her movements were shaky and twitchy at best, keeping her hands close to her chest, the harsh yellow light staring her in the face. She hated that. She wanted to feel better, but no matter how many deep breaths she took or attempted to, it never went away. Maddie stood in place for a long time, digging her nails in her palms until skin broke and kicking at the dirt in mud covered boots. At least, until she heard the sharp, familiar call of her name from behind her. Whipping her head around so fast you’d think she broke something, her vibrant ocean eyes go wide, mouth dropping open. Before she knew it, her legs were moving of their own accord, crashing into the woman before she could stop herself, burying her face into the embrace with no second thought. More tears wet the blood on her face, heaving sobs coming from her frail form. She was lucky that Lily could lift her, because her legs had stopped working at this point, only tucked safely into her arms. It’s all that mattered. Her soothing voice made Madison shiver, in a good way. It was comforting. Even if she’d hoped that everyone else was safe, she missed her. She missed her mom. Lily is strong and capable, least of all one of the nicest people she’s ever met, and she loves her. Her family is small and crazy, but it means the world to her. Reaching up, she pets the back of Lily’s longer hair, running her nails through the ends even as she’s a mess, it helps her not fall apart right then and there. Smiling for the first time in weeks, her shoulders un-tense, and her heart feels easier to carry. The yellow shackle on her wrist resumes its original green.
