Am I drunk? It feels like I’m—no. The poison. The ceremony is about to start. I’ll die soon. I’m ready. Just a little pain and then…nothing.
Prophet tugs on the rope. I don’t fight. Just stumble after him with slow, awkward steps. Biting cold stings my cheeks. It’s darker now. My toes go numb. I can’t tell if the trembling in my limbs is from the freezing air or the poison.
Men and women start to chant and sing all around me. I can’t make out the words. The sound grows louder until each beat is like a physical blow to my chest. Or maybe that’s my heart giving out. Abe said…
Someone lifts me up onto the altar. Prophet shoves a crown of oleander blossoms onto my head. The stems scratch at my temples. Panic sharpens my vision for a brief moment. A silver goblet glints in the lights from the lantern. It’s so cold against my lips. More bitter juice. I swallow every drop, hoping the end comes quickly.
“The Glorious One will welcome our precious Nova home tonight! Her sacrifice will please Him so greatly, He will bestow upon me—upon all of us—life everlasting!” Prophet shouts.
With every passing second, I feel less and less.
The snow is so pretty falling around me. A hand cups my neck, easing me onto my back. My arms are pulled over my head.
The next cramp is so strong, I try to curl onto my side, but I can’t move, the ropes and my own muscles locking me into place.
Prophet’s voice is getting softer now. What’s he saying? Is it time?
I’m not cold anymore. Sweat prickles along my brow. My chest tightens as warmth bursts over my skin.
Shadows surround me. No. Those are men. Black coats. Black hats. Prophet’s clerics lay their hands on me.
Another burst of pain spreads out from my stomach. “Please,” I whimper. “Make…it…stop…”
I can’t hear my own voice anymore. I can’t hear anything at all.
I’m so hot. Who turned the heat on? It’s unbearable. I struggle to lift my head, but lose the battle.
Prophet pulls a shiny blade from inside his coat.
I can’t summon the strength to be afraid. Each wheezing breath is harder than the last. I’m burning up. And so tired. If I close my eyes, I’ll drift away. Maybe I’ll do that. Fall asleep and never wake up.
AJ. I want to see AJ again. One last time. His face is only a blur in my memories. Dark hair. Blue eyes. The rest…he’s gone.
“Aaron, I’m so sorry...”
The darkness draws closer. It’s calling to me. Telling me it’s okay to sleep. To stop fighting.
I close my eyes.
White hot pain pierces my side. I feel nothing but the burning agony spreading through my stomach and chest. My arms and legs are numb. I can’t scream. Can’t see. Can’t move.
All of a sudden, I’m cold again. So cold. Too cold to shiver.
“I love you, AJ.”
There’s nothing now. No light. No sound. Only the sensation of the last, slow beats of my heart fading away.
Chapter Fourteen
Grace
Machines hum all around me, along with a beeping that matches the throbbing in my temples.
My throat burns. Rough and raw, like I’ve been screaming for hours—or days. Something is wrapped around my head. I want to touch it, but I’m too weak to move.
Little twitches—my fingers, toes, lips—are all I can manage.
The beeping quickens.
