Page 313 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

Something…

A loud, shrilly sound erupts from that swirl of dark mist as it witnesses my death. The dark matter fills the entire area like a thick fog, making it impossible to see what’s happening.

That I’m still conscious—if this is real—is a miracle in itself. But the real miracle happens when I feel something touching me.

I cannot move. I cannot blink. I can only think, and even that is from a faraway place that doesn’t seem like me.

Something warm and wet is placed within my open chest. Probing hands look for the perfect placement, and once the piece fits in the puzzle, a burst of energy explodes within me.

Healing energy travels to my newly returned heart, repairing my arteries and all connective tissue.

Slowly, so very slowly, my body recognizes this is not the end. I am still alive.

But I am not sure my mind does, too.

The mist is everywhere. I want to open my mouth and warn it about Cerenios, but I cannot speak, not yet.

I lie still on the grass, my body slowly healing but still bleeding.

In the distance, I hear a tight exchange, words I cannot understand. Explosions, crashes, and loud thuds reverberate through the air. There is a war going on somewhere, but the mist makes it impossible for me to see.

Moments pass. Silence ensues. Though still alive, I do not have enough energy to keep my mental functions active. Slowly, I drift into a deep, healing sleep.

FORTY-FIVE

My lungs fillwith air and I let out a loud, piercing scream.

“Minnie?” Mine calls my name, his voice filled with worry as he rushes to my side.

I open my eyes and take in my surroundings. We’re at his house, in his bedroom. But…how? When did this happen? The last thing I remember is having my heart ripped out of my chest and seeing it gurgle blood next to me on the ground.

I was so certain I was dead. After all, who can escape Cerenios? And he’d definitely been there. Or…had he?

Glancing down, I note I’m wearing the same dress from before, except it’s not tattered or stained with blood.

“What happened?”

“You had a bad dream. I was downstairs cleaning up when I heard you scream.”

I frown. “No, no. I left. I wasn’t here…”

“You did, but you returned a few hours ago. You don’t remember?”

“I…returned?”

He nods. “I was so worried you wouldn’t come back, that you would leave me.” He takes a deep breath. “I meant what I saidbefore. I will tell you everything when the time is right—when I’m sure it won’t cause any harm.”

“What harm could it cause?”

“More harm than you can imagine,” he murmurs, a resigned expression on his face. “I fear I’ve already done that.”

I do a quick scan of my body, and to my great surprise, I find my energy levels intact. There is nothing in need of healing, nothing that might point out to a previous injury. Not only that, but my outer appearance is spotless too. Nothing to suggest an altercation. No blood when I remember clearly I shed enough to be painted in red from head to toe.

“You’re sure I came back by myself?”

He tilts his head to the side as he regards me, a question in his eyes. “What do you mean by yourself?”

“I came here with my own two legs?”

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