Page 79 of The Sinner and the Gunslinger
“Wasn’t my story to tell. Okay, fine. Look. If you won’t talk about it, then I may as well tell you more of the prophecy we’ve worked on. Sending pictures now.”
I rub my eyes as I read it.
In the tapestry of time, foes become allies, allies turn to foes, and betrayal creeps from within righteous hearts. Yet, fear not, for salvation, like a gentle smoke, shall whisper from unexpected corners, burning forgiveness into the darkest of hours.
Amidst the crucible of treachery, hold fast to the unwavering path of truth, anchored in divine providence. As the inferno subsides, wounds shall mend, and the light of truth shall triumph. The soul is forged in trials, and redemption awaits, guiding the greatest of sinners with grace to ultimate victory.
“I’m too tired to decipher this shit,” I mumble. “Just tell it to me straight.”
“When we first started translating the gospel, there was a line about the enemy being within. I thought it was about me dealing with my own inner critic, but maybe it’s much more literal. Maybe one of our own who goes bad.”
“Zeke?”
She hesitates. “Why do you say that?”
“No reason.” Just... protecting my heart.
“I think he’s the last person you need to worry will betray you.”
Unless he’s done it before. But I don’t say that because I think she’s right. I know where my loyalties are before she finishes speaking. Every time Zeke touches me, talks to me, or looks at me, I see the truth of his emotion. He’s done lying to me. I believe him.
I yawn again.
“I think it might be Mercy,” Thea whispers.
I sit upright. “What? Why?”
“Has she been acting weird lately?”
I think back to her irritation at being judged by Team Saint for her sexual needs. But she directed that all inward. I tried to make her feel better. I don’t think she’ll turn those feelings against us. “She’s a little antsy, but that’s to be expected. She doesn’t have the freedom to be herself.”
“Yeah. You’re right.”
“Why do you think she’s the one?” I press.
“There was this picture in a book—of Lilith. It looked like Mercy.”
“Coincidence.”
“Possibly.”
I think about it for a minute. “It could be one of Team Saint. Could be Raven—she’s been extra headachey and stand-offish. Could be Tawny after Asmodeus kissed her. Could be one of the nuns, if they don’t heal properly from the war sickness. Could be Jinx. Could be one of our Sinners who haven’t returned from extended missions.”
“You’re right.” She sighs. “Could be anyone.”
Wes’s voice rumbles again, just out of earshot. When Thea returns to me, she says, “You should get your rest. Let me know what you find at Helwing’s church.”
“Yeah. Got it.”
“Enjoy the ride, bitch.”
“You too.”
The last thing I think of before I fall asleep are the words Flauros said when we left him.Everyone you love will burn.
Thirty
Zeke
