Page 68 of Beneath the Flames
Brie stared into his soulful eyes and vowed solemnly, “I promise Marquis Gray.”
He gave her a simple nod, then raised his eyebrow as he waited for Mary to answer.
She shook her head, telling him, “I wouldn’t want you to make any sacrifices on my behalf.”
“Why is that?” he asked her pointedly.
Unable to take the intensity of Marquis’s gaze, Mary looked down at the floor.
“Answer me, Miss Wilson.”
After several moments of silence, Brie saw teardrops falling into Mary’s lap. “If given the choice, I would choose your well-being over mine every time.”
“Why?” he demanded.
Mary looked up and met his gaze, holding nothing back when she said, “I’m a piece of worthless shit.”
Brie gasped, crushed by Mary’s disparaging words.
Marquis Gray leaned forward, never breaking eye contact with Mary. “I understand the unbearable pain of looking within yourself and seeing nothing of value—only your own depravity and an insatiable need to destroy everything around you.”
She nodded, letting the tears fall unheeded.
“Miss Wilson, I found myself in that place and questioned everything I knew about myself. It was in my darkest hour that I cried out to God and received an answer.”
She frowned. “I may believe in the devil, Marquis—and only because I have seen him with my own eyes—but Idefinitelydo not believe in God.”
“I am not asking you to,” he stated firmly. “What I am telling you is that I received an answer that changed my perspective.”
“How did He answer you?” she demanded. “Did the clouds part and Almighty God speak to you from the Heavens?”
He sat back, unfazed by the harsh sarcasm in her voice. “It does not matter how the message was delivered, only that I received it. I am not concerned with whether you believe me or not.”
Leaning forward again, he shared with her, “In a time of profound pain and brokenness, I have come to know with unwavering certainty that He is a compassionate God.”
Marquis looked at Mary with empathy. “He sees through our darkness and embraces what is good within each of us.” Gazing at her tenderly, he added, “You are both, Miss Wilson—everyone is. It is up to each individual whether they choose to embrace their depravity or their virtue.”
Marquis sat back and closed his eyes, sighing heavily. “I have come face to face with my insatiable rage and my capacity for evil. They are a part of me.”
Opening his eyes again, Marquis stated with conviction, “After experiencing God’s compassion, I have chosen to re-dedicate my life to His service.”
Brie smiled with relief, confessing, “I would feel lost without your thoughtful guidance, Marquis.”
Mary snorted. “You and I will never see eye to eye when it comes to God. However, I respect your decision, Marquis Gray.”
He inclined his head to Mary. “I do not seek your approval. I am simply stating my truth.”
Mary nodded in response.
“Please stay where you are,” he ordered them both.
Marquis then stood up and walked to the door and opened it, calling for Celestia to join them.
He returned and sat back down, stating in a grave voice, “I have been thinking about the infant who was rescued from the compound.”
He addressed Mary. “I’ve heard that the child’s welfare has been weighing heavy on your mind.”
New tears welled up in Mary’s eyes when she nodded.
