Winner
The Emperor would never take her side. Even when she died, Lumielle knew that Eldrige would favor everyone other than her. All Eldrige saw was the capabilities Lumielle had and nothing else. The reason Eldrige treated her kindly in this life was simply because she had value. Lumielle had realized how changing herself into a tool had somehow gifted her more. Her lashes wanted to flutter into a finale.
It was exhausting.
Then again, was that not why Allard treated her differently? She was now seen as valuable in his eyes. Valuable enough to cherish and take care of. There was a sound of something crashing upstairs as Lumielle simply inspected her nails.
"Why are you doing this?" Cosette asked, her eyes glossing over in tears, a waterwork show for everyone that wanted to watch.