“Kirin,” I croak out, spitting out another mouthful of blood. But here in the endless dark, there’s no response. Even the wind has retreated, leaving me alone in silence and agony.
Give up,a familiar cruel voice echoes.Give up and save yourself, just like you did that day at the river…
Guilt burns and bubbles in my gut, but Judgment is nowhere in sight. It’s all in my mind now—another of his artful tricks, like an infection that can lay dormant for years, only to pop up again when I’m at my weakest.
“You’re nothing but a scavenger,” I pant, reaching up to cradle my bruised ribs. “Show yourself. End this.”
But of course he doesn’t come. I don’t even know if he’s still in the realm—not after what Kirin did to him.
I soldier on, inspecting every nook and cranny for the man I love.
You let your own parents die,the voice comes again.So why not your Arcana brother? You’re nothing to him. Nothing but vile filth. Even if you do make it out of this alive, he’s never going to look at you the same way. You’re weak, Starla Milan. Weak and—
“Unworthy, got it. You know, for a dark minion and supremely magickal being who’s been around the block a few thousand times, you really should’ve developed a broader vocabulary by now. See kids, this is why it’s important to stay in school.”
The voice mutters some new insult, but I ignore it now, shoving it aside and taking a deep, cleansing breath. Even here, my healing powers are working their magick; the aches in my body have begun to subside, my vision finally clear.
Slowly I get to my feet, testing my strength and balance. When I don’t immediately collapse, I take a few steps forward, gradually picking up the pace.
“Kirin!” I call out, happy to note my voice is stronger too. “Kirin!”
I stop and strain to listen, but there’s no response.
But there, a few paces ahead, I spot a dark shape in the distance, its outline softer than the rough boulder behind it.
Human-shaped.
Kirin-shaped.
The tattered remnants of his tuxedo jacket come into focus.
He’s slumped on his side, his back against the rock, and he’s not moving. Not breathing.
No…
Fear gives me purpose and strength. I break into a limping run.
When I reach him, I fall to my knees again, my vision blurring with tears.
“Kirin,” I say softly, running a hand up his arm.
No response.
Please, please wake up. Please be okay…
I slide my fingers beneath his jawline, searching for the faintest beat of his pulse…
There. He’s alive. Super fucked up, but alive.
“Kirin, can you hear me?” I reach out for his energy, slowly moving my hands over his body, checking him for injuries. Despite appearances, his physical body seems intact, and his energy isn’t giving off any dire warnings either.
I blow out a breath just as a low moan rumbles from his throat.
“Don’t,” he whispers. “Please don’t.”
“Don’t what? I’m sorry! Did I hurt you?”
“Don’t… stop touching me.” His eyes blink open, and he smiles up at me, a beacon on the darkest night.
