Page 93 of Demonic Affliction

“What will happen to you?”

Me? There is a long pause. For a time, I will sleep. I will forget. Eventually, when I am needed, I will wake. On and on the cycle goes.

I’m not sure, but I think I detect some sadness in its voice, and it causes my chest to clench.

I had hoped that we would be together for millennia, Spoon finishes. But… the fates do not always listen to our desires.

“So that’s it?” I whisper. “This is the end of the road for us.”

I’m afraid so.

I look out into the vast nothing, thinking about my last moments alive. Saving The Far Place. Holding my mates’ bodies as I succumbed to the dark.

I swallow, a well of emotion brimming behind my eyes. “My mates… will they be okay?”

The males will live, yes. As will that accursed world. A long pause. The Welwig brought back what it had created long ago. To balance the scales. The light blinks softly. You achieved what you set out to do, little human. You should be proud.

“Proud.” I let out a soft laugh at the irony. “I suppose I am proud. But… I’m also profoundly sad. Sad that it had to end the way it did.” I let out a breath. “But as long as they live, it’s worth it.”

If you say so.

I’m not sure how to respond to that, so I stay silent. We float in the darkness for a while longer, the orb's small glow drifting steadily beside me.

“Hey, Spoon?”

Yes?

“Since I’m dead and everything… can I ask you something?”

I don’t see why not.

“You’ll be honest with me?”

I will.

I take a deep breath. “I’ve been wondering… Why?”

You mean, why did I help you? Why did I abandon my nature and help you save your world?

I nod softly.

The orb flickers. Maybe I was feeling charitable.

Bullshit. You said you’d be honest.

Spoon releases a small, weak laugh. Fine, fine. I helped because… because it was the right thing to do. Because I remembered. Remembered that there is love, and heart, and goodness in living creatures. I had forgotten about it for so long. So, so long…

I don’t know what to say about that. I just float in silence, waiting for it to speak again.

Willow…?

“Yes, Spoon?”

Are you… Are you afraid to die?

I’m reminded of the night we sat atop the cliffs, staring out at the landscape. I felt so small then. So insignificant. I couldn’t picture what I would feel when faced with death. Now…

“I am,” I say. “I’m… terrified.”