Page 5 of Possession

Aris thrums as he considers that, and ultimately decides to ignore me. While he is here, tell him that I want this amulet destroyed, he says.

“I can tell the two of you are speaking,” the Grand Mage says, interrupting us. “What exactly is he saying?” There’s such a keen, almost childlike interest on his face that it feels wrong to deny him.

It’s a ploy.

Maybe so, but all he’s asking for is the truth. I don’t really see the harm. “He wants to be free,” I reply, and the Grand Mage nods.

“And, might I ask, what mercy the bearer of chaos would show upon his release?” he asks. He keeps his tone light and curious, like he doesn’t already know the answer.

I glance behind him, again off-put by the sight of so many wands aimed at me. I know that they aren’t allowed to kill me, and probably wouldn’t hurt me in front of their boss, but it’s still disconcerting.

Aris? I prompt nervously.

I would show no mercy. He is, at least, honest.

I relay his response and fall silent as the Grand Mage contemplates. Aris flits around my body during this, finding familiarity in the limbs we share. It’s his way of pacing. He rests in my arm for a moment before nestling back in my chest.

“Might I talk to him?” the Grand Mage asks.

“I don’t like doing that,” I say immediately.

His answering smile is patronizingly understanding. “I can rein him back if he crosses any line, Mary,” he says.

It’s the wrong thing to say. A heavy burst of loathing fills the chest we share, arriving so suddenly and potently that I have to grunt and grab the wall to prevent myself from falling over.

Rein, Aris seethes. How dare he speak of me this way! He thinks he can control me?

I let go off the wall and shut my eyes. He isn’t any less angry, but I’ve had the chance to accept the emotion now.

That’s exactly why I don’t want to give you my mouth. You’ll just start screaming at him!

And?

And, it won’t be conducive to conversation, given how much we need to learn from him. Besides, it’ll make my throat hurt later, and that makes it hard to sleep. You know I need sleep. You’re the one saying our body is weak right now.

There is a pause as Aris considers. I’ll behave, he promises finally. I’d like to speak with him as well. I have a few things to say.

And you’ll give my mouth back when I say to give it back?

Yes.

I sigh and open my eyes. Aris is a great many things, but he doesn’t lie. He doesn’t see the use. So, if he says he’ll give me my lips back, then he will. “He’ll speak with you,” I relay, and the Grand Mage smiles wider this time, revealing white, perfect teeth that don’t match his age.

“Excellent,” he says.

Ready? I ask.

Yes.

I take a breath, and then I let go; I give Aris a part of me. With a pause and clench of my jaw, there is a transfer as I offer him my lips, my tongue, my speech.

“What do you want?” Aris says. It’s always mildly disturbing to hear his baritone coming out of my mouth.

“It’s lovely to speak with you again. It has been some time.”

“Have you come to gloat?”

“Just to talk.”

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