Nothing. Only silence.
A shift behind her eyes, like a veil pulled aside by wind. Strings wrapped around her limbs. Her body grew numb, disobedient. Something forced her to turn, and though she screamed against it, her feet moved, stepped, skidded. Her body walked the other way, even as Lu’ma signed to ask where she was going.
One by one.
Step by step.
"Silari,”she said aloud, the voice not wholly her own. Her lips moved, but not by her will.“My Silari.”
It was the last thing Auryn registered before darkness descended once more.
SHEcalls.
SHEwaits.
SHEneeds.
And that is all that matters.
I must findHER.
I must reachHER.
I must breathe intoHER.
Resh’Agar, they called me once.
But I am no such thing now.
I am onlyHERS.
Her Bonded.
Her Breath.
Her Silari.
The rune at the nape of my neck snarls and writhes, those on the rest of my body joining in the rebellion. Pain lances through my chest, like my lungs are being ripped asunder.
But I care not.
BecauseSHEcalls.
SHEwaits.
SHEneeds.
The sudden agony had brought me to the ground. Now, I slam my palms against it, scattering shattered white marble of the Axis Hall in all directions. With a shout, I push against the crippling pain and stand. I grit my teeth, tasting blood.
The Councilors around me stare, their eyes wide and bulging, mouths hanging agape, hands shaking as they point and clamor. Some fall to their knees. But the older ones stay standing. Watching. Waiting.
Moments ago, they were vomiting poison through false smiles and hypocrisy. More arguments against the Sokâr. More greed as they filled their coffers and left temples divested of resources and citizens without aid.
And now they look afraid?
No, some look euphoric.
Worshipful.
