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The only person Marinette hated more than Lila was herself.
Running up the stairs, Marinette couldn’t hear her own footsteps.
“Marinette, don’t do this!” Laila shouted after her and grabbed the banister, catching her breath.
Once on the roof, the cold air filled Marinette’s lungs. The sky, black with butterflies, blocked out the sun with clouds.
It was her mistake.
“It’s over,” Marinette whispered, her voice trembling with tears. Clutching her knees, she sat on the edge of the building.
“But you can still fix everything,” Lila said, placing her hand on Marinette’s shoulder. “Ladybug can.”
Marinette barely flinched. Lila gently narrowed her eyes, never taking her gaze off her.
“You’re wrong,” Marinette said, and a butterfly landed on her finger, playfully fluttering its black wings.
It would be so easy to summon the thieves here, to make Marinette repent. But there was something superhuman about the way she resisted. Lila had no choice but to sit beside her, stroking Marinette’s back with her hand, and savor the moment.
Clinging closer to Laili, Marinette looked up at the sky.
“How much energy do you think the hawk moth spent on this?”
“Trust me, it took less than a day.”
Marinette gave a faint smile in response.
“Do me a favor,” she said, standing up. “Before I give you the talisman, tell me the truth.”
Laila nodded, taking Marinette’s hand in hers. As they slowly strolled across the roof together, they remained silent for a long time.
“What wish will you make?” Marinette asked.
Lila stopped, her heart pounding in her ears.
“That’s a silly question,” she forced a laugh, looking down at the floor.
“And yet?”
“I’ll wish that talismans never existed again.”
Marinette tilted her head to the side, waiting for her to continue.
“There’ll be no more Ladybug and Cat Noir… No more villains or victims.”
“What about you? How will your life change?”
“I’ll be free, Marinette. I’ll be free from you.”
Laila squeezed Marinette’s hand tighter as they both approached the edge of the building.
“Just as you will be free of Adrian.”
“I don’t understand what you mean…”
Marinette fixed her gaze on Lila’s lips, waiting for her to speak, but they remained frozen.
“I love you, Marinette. And I will be in love with you until your very last lie.”
“What is it?” Marinette frowned, trying to guess.
Instead of answering, Lila took off the charm and placed it in Marinette’s hands.
“You’ll make everything right,” Lila said.
“But, but…” Marinette fell silent, feeling a finger on her lips.
“My greatest pleasure was getting to know the real you, Ladybug.”
Stepping aside, Lila looked down.
She took a step forward.
Lila hated herself more than she hated Marinette.
“Lila, don’t do this!” Marinette shouted, rushing after her. A black wall blocked her view. Throwing Lila over her shoulder mid-flight, Marinette transformed into the Monarch.
Upon landing, tears welled up in Marinette’s eyes as she felt Lila’s heartbeat close to hers.
Before giving up her power and forgetting everything, she pulls her ex rival into a slow, tear-stained kiss.