Page 43 of Reine's Salvation

“And you can’t.”

Mystique stood up. She smiled ruefully, while battling the bitter tears at the edge of her eyes. “Then we have nothing to talk about.”

“No, wait, Mystique.” Reine gently grasped her wrist. “Please, listen to me.”

Mystique searched his face. His lips were set into a determined line and his eyes spoke of sorrow and promises she didn’t dare voice. Finally, she nodded for him to continue.

“You can’t help me because you yourself said only I could work through my issues. You said I had to find something worth fighting for, something that made me want to combat my anger.”

Reine ran his fingers through his hair. He sucked in his cheeks and slowly let out a breath.

“This is not the best place to talk. It really isn’t safe. Maybe we can go somewhere else.”

Mystique crossed her arms over her chest. “No, Reine. We’ve been sitting here for ten minutes. I think we can manage another two minutes so you can tell me what’s on your mind and if you can’t, well, then, I beg you to leave.” Mystique dug her fingernails into her rib. She knew she was being harsh, but she couldn’t accept his rollercoaster of emotions. She had to look after herself.

“You’re right.”

Reine moved so close to her she had to tilt her head back to look him in the eyes. He held her gaze, his green eyes full of a longing she hadn’t seen before.

“I want to fight for you, Mystique. I want to fight for a future us,” he said softly.

Mystique gasped, causing him to smile.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

Reine’s teeth appeared from amid his beard as he graced her with a heartwarming smile. He cupped her cheek and ran his thumb across her lips. “As sure as—”

Suddenly he stopped speaking and lifted his head sharply. As he did, the hair on the back of her neck and arms stood on end. Goosebumps sprouted over her flesh. Nausea roiled in her stomach and she tasted bile. Reine grabbed her and pushed her behind him.

“Run,” he said.

Mystique’s legs began to tremble.

“Run, Mystique. Run home. Don’t look back.”

“But you—”

“I’ll be okay. Run.”

He pushed her, so her feet automatically began to move in the direction of the town. As she neared the end of the street, she thought she heard a commotion. She spun around. Her legs went under her and she cried out.

“Reine.”

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