Chapter 20

CHAPTER TWENTY

C aldor, Saltrec Village

Nestled deep in the mountain, the tiny village was a collection of sturdy stone buildings, their architecture both ancient and resilient, designed to withstand the harshest environments. Built close together to protect the occupants from the harsh climate, the wind died down abruptly, allowing them to remove their masks.

The villagers stared openly, watching silently as the newcomers passed through with one of their own inside the clear medical stasis pod. Their eyes, glinting with curiosity and concern, followed Ashlyn and her companions as they made their way to the elder’s home in the center.

She breathed a sigh of relief when they finally stopped at the largest structure in the village, built with massive black stones.

Waiting at the front door was an elderly woman Ashlyn assumed must be the elder. She had striking silver hair and eyes that shone like polished topaz. Ashlyn blinked back her shock. She’d never seen a Caldorian that didn’t look like they were in their prime. Healthy. Young. Fit.

Although this woman was still beautiful, she was unquestionably old, her skin battered by the elements, with deep laugh lines at the corners of her eyes and around her mouth. She beckoned them into a large foyer with a wave. Ashlyn couldn’t even begin to guess at the old woman’s age.

“Come in. Come in. We are ready for him. Stow your outer garments there in the chest by the door,” she said, pointing. “When you’re done, only one may proceed through the door at the end of the hallway. The rest must wait in the other rooms. My apprentices will lead you through.”

Rachel and Cam entered behind Ashlyn, then Sasha and Dagan, as the old woman disappeared through the archway, Zade’s pod floating in front of her with no more than a small push of her withered fingers.

They changed as quickly as they could. Cam and Dagan were first to finish. It was no surprise to see them wearing the traditional military uniforms she’d come to expect.

Ashlyn was next and stepped forward in black cashmere leggings that had doubled as thermal wear and a warm, ultra-fine cashmere sweater in royal blue with a loose faux fur cowl neck. She reached into the deep pockets of her snowsuit and pulled out a pair of stretchy black ballet slippers. They were the only ones that fit inside the pockets. Balancing on one leg, she pulled the slipper on, then switched to the other. Her hair she decided to leave pulled back in a shiny silver clip.

Rachel was next, dressed in similar clothing, the only exception being the color of her sweater, which was a forest green. The last to finish was Sasha. She was the only one who chose to wear metamaterial. With a few carefully selected commands, her one piece bodysuit transformed itself into a beautiful, lavender, floor length gown trimmed with warm feathery fluff. She looked every inch the queen she’d become, with no need of a crown, as the two inch band of crystal markings glittered like diamonds across her forehead.

Ashlyn raised an eyebrow.

Blushing, Sasha explained in a whisper. “Dagan. Politics. Even though he’s the king of the Western Sector, he’s never been invited to come this far into Northern territory. I think he’s nervous. He told me to wear something comfortable, but I asked one of his staff members what she suggested, and here I am.”

“I didn’t think Dagan could get nervous.”

“It was his idea to bring the gifts from Earth, like that cashmere sweater you’re wearing,” she said with a wink.

Ashlyn groaned. “Is that where it came from? Bren dropped off several outfits the first day on board The Reaper. I just assumed…well…I don’t know what I assumed. I guess I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry. Now I feel terrible!”

“Don’t,” snickered Rachel. “They’re technically from you, and I’m wearing some, too. Caldorians, Dagan included, aren’t supposed to have access to anything they haven’t traded for yet, and since most of Caldor uses metamaterial, they’re not likely to make a trade for ours. Cam and I did the shopping before the Council members arrived. We were going to hand it out to the Councilors on your behalf. Well, on behalf of C’bor’s widow and her fiancé, which turned out to be you and Zade.”

“Score a few points with alien contraband? I wish I’d thought of that,” Ashlyn mused.

“That’s what we’re here for, Ash. We got your back.”

“Always,” Sasha seconded.

Ashlyn took a long, deep breath, suddenly nervous. “Right, then. Let’s go.”

Everyone but Ashlyn stopped at the first room. There were sofas and chairs aplenty, with food piled high on a buffet style table and a bowl full of steaming liquid. Ashlyn’s stomach flip flopped. She couldn’t have eaten now, even if she wanted to. She was too nervous. Too afraid for Zade.

Proceeding alone, she glanced at each room as she passed on her way down the hall. The interior was warm, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and glowing crystals that bathed the rooms in a soft, welcoming light. The scent of burning herbs filled the air, a mix of earthy and floral notes that made Ashlyn's head spin.

Through the door, she found Zade’s pod. This room was different, made of slate, with water flowing gently down the walls and ambient bell tones playing in the background. Soft light from hundreds of tiny lights flickered and danced through the many fragrant vines climbing up the walls beneath the water. Tucked unobtrusively into the corners were tall shelving units, one filled with all matter of herbal ointments, salves, fragrant oils, and candles. The other had stacks of sheets and towels.

The room was soothing, instantly calming her frazzled nerves, like the most luxurious of spas. The pod was opened, Zade was carefully lifted out and gently laid on the only furniture in the room; a padded table raised no more than an inch or two off the ground. Three young women and two men sat cross-legged along one side of the platform, swaying ever so slightly as they chanted, slipping deep into meditation.

Ashlyn sank down on Zade’s other side and placed one hand over his. His skin was ice cold. Her stomach twisted with worry. She squeezed his stiff fingers, hoping for a sign of life she was afraid would never come.

The elder woman covered Zade with a thin sheet scented with something Ashlyn was unable to identify, some kind of flower, perhaps, then sat next to her with surprising agility.

"I am Elder Lytha, mother of Zade’s mother,” she said, her voice as melodic and soothing as the room. “I am also the healer for my people.”

Unable to staunch a fresh flow of tears, heart breaking anew, Ashlyn swallowed the lump in her throat and clasped her hands to her chest. "You’re his grandmother? Oh god, I’m sorry. You must be so worried. I’m Ashlyn, and it’s so nice to meet you, and I’m so sorry, Your Majesty."

Zade’s grandmother patted Ashlyn's hand. “I gave up the crown to my daughter many years ago. Please, call me Lytha. And why would you be sorry, child?”

Sniffling, Ashlyn explained. “He’s like this because of me. He stepped in front of a ‘Dark One’ that was about to kill me. He saved me.”

“Ah. Always brave, that one. He must love you very much to sacrifice himself this way. Do you love him as well?”

Ashlyn nodded vehemently through a watery smile. “Yes. I do. Can you help him?”

Lytha's expression turned grave. "His body is healed. Only his mind remains out of reach. Sometimes we get lost on the other side of the veil.”

“The veil?”

“Yes. That is what we call the place we go when we leave our bodies, as Zade has done. We will try to help him find his way back.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“You can speak to him. Call him back to you. Give him a reason to fight his way home.”

Ashlyn straightened her shoulders, stiffened her spine. She could do that. She’d already been doing that in her mind. Taking his hand in hers once again, she began talking to Zade. Anything was better than sitting there, helpless. Terrified.

Lytha got up, threw a few herbs into a steaming pot of water at Zade’s feet, then walked around to where Zade’s head rested on a thin pillow, sat back down and pressed two fingers to each of his temples. She began to sway in sync with the others, and after a few minutes, added her voice to the chant.

All night long they chanted. Ashlyn talked, the candles burned, and the water fell, ever vigilant, until the morning sun shone brightly through the windows.

Without warning, Zade’s grandmother stopped, her shoulders slumped in defeat. A single tear slid down her withered cheek. She opened weary eyes and turned to Ashlyn. “Now it is I who am sorry, child. I’m afraid he is too far away, even for me, to reach.”

Pain, denial, fear, all swept through Ashlyn in a tidal wave of grief. No. This can’t be happening. They’re supposed to save him. He’s supposed to wake up. He has to wake up.

Gut wrenching pain tore through her, shredded her soul. “No. No. No,” she sobbed, over and over. “Please, no! We can’t quit! We can’t!”

She cried until there was nothing left in her. Nothing but a deep, empty void. She refused to leave with the others, insisting she stay with Zade’s body. Only Lytha remained.

“There is another way,” a deep, compelling voice echoed in the silence.

Startled, Ashlyn’s head snapped up. “Bren?”

From the corner of the room, Bren appeared, his face ashen. “I have known Zade since his birth. He does not give up. There is another way.”

“What is it? Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

Bren hesitated. “There is a way, but it is dangerous—for both Zade and you."

Rachel leaned forward, her voice tense. "What do you mean? What kind of danger?"

Lytha rose to her feet, her robes rustling with movement. Her bare feet made slapping noises as she stomped over to him. "It is good to see you, old friend. I know what you’re thinking.” She jabbed his chest with her index finger. “No.”

“She could save him,” Bren countered softly.

“I know he is like a son to you, Brennar, but you don’t want him to live any more than I do. He is my only grandson. This girl is human. She would die a painful death, and we, responsible.”

Brennar bowed his head. “You are right, of course.”

Lytha patted his chest. “Loss is always painful. You know that better than most, which means you also know it cannot be avoided.”

“Wait,” Ashlyn begged. “What is he talking about? If I can save Zade, shouldn’t I get a say in whether or not I want to risk my life?”

Bren sidestepped around Lytha and stared directly into Ashlyn’s eyes, his own full of pain. “Yes. No one can make the decision but you.”

“No! It cannot be done!” Lytha exclaimed, facing Ashlyn. “You will both die. Is that what you want, child? To die alongside my grandson? Do you think I would not trade places with him if I could?”

Ashlyn kept her gaze fixed on Bren. “I know what you’re talking about. At least, I think I do. You link two people in some way with Lumerian technology. They live together or die together. There is not one without the other. But I’m human. Completely human. Can it be done?”

“I don’t know. I’ve heard rumors of a human woman and a Caldorian king…” he said cautiously, looking meaningfully toward the door, then back to Ashlyn. “You tell me, can it be done?”

Ashlyn's heart sank, remembering all too well nearly losing Sasha. It was the reason she’d sworn off dating any Caldorians. "I don’t know," she whispered, heartbroken. "I don’t think so. She almost died, and she wasn’t..." Ashlyn paused, not sure how much she could reveal.

The maju paste that transformed Sasha into something not quite human was still a closely guarded secret. Bren was talking about a Lumerian Yielding, she was sure, not what happened to the human woman who’d been exposed to maju paste prior to the ceremony.

Instead of prompting Ashlyn for more of an explanation, Bren left the room. A few minutes later, he returned with Rachel and Cam, Sasha and Dagan. Judging by their shocked expressions, he’d already filled them in.

The tension grew uncomfortably thick, splashing water the only sound breaking the silence. Rachel and Cam exchanged worried glances as Ashlyn lowered her head to Zade’s chest and stared blindly. “I love him so much.”

"It’s too risky, Ash. You know that, don’t you? There has to be another way," Rachel protested, her voice cracking with emotion.

Cam pulled Rachel close. "We are grateful to Zade for saving you, sister of my mate, and we feel deep sorrow at his present condition, but we do not want you to throw away his sacrifice with one of your own.”

Lytha’s slight form shrank even more with the weight of her sadness. "As much as I love my grandson, I must agree. Such a bond requires a willingness of the heart, mind, and soul, in order to work. Zade’s mind is gone from this world. He drifts in the veil, beyond our reach. He cannot give you what he does not have.”

Nodding in agreement, Rachel added, “You know even the Lumerians rarely bonded that way because once initiated, if they couldn’t fully connect, they would both die. There was no turning back. Even Cam and I haven’t risked it, and we’re totally committed to each other. Please, Ash. Promise you won’t try it.”

Sasha and Dagan looked at one another in silent communication. Dagan nodded, then Sasha offered gently, “And we do not know if it can be done without being genetically altered by maju paste first.”

“What is this? What are you talking about?” Lytha frowned in confusion.

Dagan explained gruffly, “There are four human women, not just Sasha, who have successfully bonded to their mates through a Yielding, and in all three cases, they had already been altered through direct contact with either maju paste or maju water. This could be a coincidence, but I doubt it.”

“Why have I not heard of this? How, exactly, were they altered?”

“The microbes that live inside the maju stones. Human skin is not as thick as Caldorian skin, and so the microbes can burrow deeper. That’s what changed them. The microbes, once in the bloodstream, altered their genetic code.”

Ashlyn shivered with apprehension. The four humans that had survived had gained incredible powers, but there were others, she’d heard, that hadn’t survived. The Vilitos , an evil reptilian species in league with the 'Dark Ones' and A’Nua Na-KI , had been caught experimenting on humans not so long ago. None of the women had lived without a mate to anchor their new power. None.

So, the paste was likely to kill her before she ever had the chance to attempt a Yielding with Zade. Could she survive the maju paste? She loved him with all her heart, but did he truly love her, too? If he didn’t, the Yielding would fail, and they would both die, caught in an incomplete bond forever. Was she willing to risk them both on the chance that he did? If I don’t, he’ll die for sure.

"Ash," Rachel protested, drawing her back to the present. "I can tell what you’re thinking. I won’t let you do it. It’s too dangerous."

"My love, the decision must be hers," Cam said quietly.

Dagan nodded. “The paste took several days to change Sasha. Can Zade survive that much longer?”

Lytha put a hand over her heart, her wise, ancient eyes full of pain. “We were unable to connect to him at all. He’s very far away. I doubt he’ll last through the night. He is ready to let go.”

“Four human women?” Bren began to pace. “I had only heard rumors about you, Queen Sasha. You say there have been four? What if Ashlyn swam in the sacred pool behind the house, where the maju water is more concentrated? Its incredible healing powers are well known, even among my kind. If she immersed herself, perhaps the water might work more quickly.”

“That sounds even more dangerous!” Rachel yelled, breaking away from her mate to shout angrily at Bren, her hands balled into angry fists. “This is my sister we’re talking about!”

“What about a true stasis?” Sasha asked. “Could he survive if we put him in a medically induced stasis, like the Lumerians did with some of their children until it was safe? Could we do that to give him more time?”

“Sasha! How can you encourage this insanity?” Rachel blurted, clearly upset.

Blushing, Sasha made eye contact with each one of them. “Because I’m the only one here who has gone through both the transformation with the maju paste and a Yielding.” She locked eyes with Rachel last, her voice filled with conviction. “If Ashlyn feels for Zade as I feel for Dagan, and as I know you feel for Cam, how can we not support her, if that’s what she wants to do? She could survive, just like I did. I know it. I would do it all over again, every bit of it, to save Dagan.”

“And I would forbid you to do it, little one, just as Zade would forbid Ashlyn, if he were able,” Dagan countered.

Sasha frowned at her mate. “You have no room to talk, as you were the one to do exactly what we’re talking about, when I was dying. You went ballistic. Now, Ashlyn is in the same situation, faced with the same decision.”

Dagan scowled. “This is not the same.”

Cam wrapped his arms around Rachel, pressed her into his comforting embrace, and murmured something into her ear that Ashlyn couldn’t hear. Rachel broke down, tears streaming down her face.

“That does not answer the question.” Bren pressed on, “Would putting him in such a stasis give him more time? Perhaps a Yielding would be unnecessary. We have that type of pod on board the Reaper. We could have it transported in immediately.”

All eyes turned to Lytha. “We could try it, but that would not solve the problem, only delay it. You can force the preservation of his physical body indefinitely. That will not bring his mind back.”

Fear gnawed at Ashlyn’s insides as the conversation droned on without her. They meant well. She’d been so careful not to touch the maju paste, not to go anywhere near it. No one knew the paste, known for its healing powers among the Caldorians, would have the opposite effect on humans, until Dagan used it on Sasha. The microbes that thrived in the paste and made the beautiful markings the Caldorians loved, would burrow deep within humans, altering them forever. If they survived at all.

She stroked Zade’s face with trembling fingers. She had no idea how long she stood there, her heart torn with fear and love, before a tall, regal woman rushed into the room.

Ashlyn caught her breath. The woman had the same molten gold eyes as Zade. There was no mistaking the resemblance. She wore elaborate robes of deep red and gold, her presence commanding and graceful. She came directly to Zade's side, her expression a mix of fear and sorrow.

"My son," she whispered, her voice unsteady.

Ashlyn stepped back, not wanting to intrude.

After a few minutes, Zade’s mother turned to Ashlyn, her eyes softening. "You must be Ashlyn Faro of Earth," she murmured in greeting, reaching out to take Ashlyn’s hands. "Brennar told me about you. I am Liara Miralos of Caldor."

Ashlyn nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I love him."

Liara's expression softened further, and she pulled Ashlyn into an embrace. "I can see that. I am grateful he has found someone who loves him so deeply. It gives me hope. A man in love will not give up easily."

“I’m so sorry this happened. It’s all my fault.”

"Come with me," Liara said gently, guiding her to a quieter room. They sat down and Liara clasped Ashlyn's hands in her own, her grip strong and comforting. "I want to tell you a story," she began, her voice soft.

“My mother’s people, the Saltrec, are the fiercest warriors on our planet. Almost legendary among the Sectors for their exceptional bravery and tenacity in battle. They simply do not quit. There is no quarter given, no mercy. They fight with a savagery born only to those who must fight to survive each day. In relationships, those qualities have earned the Saltrec a different reputation––we are more primitive, more savage, more possessive of the things we love, than other warriors, and even more determined to win.

Zade is of the Saltrec, was born with all of those qualities, yet he was not raised among us in a supportive, accepting environment. He was raised in the Northern Sector, yes, but far south of here, in the city. He fought with the other children, and the more he fought, the worse they treated him. They taunted him, called him a beast, yet when he tried to stop, tried to walk away, they taunted him even more. They said he was a coward and didn’t deserve the title of Saltrec. Eventually he gained control, buried his primitive nature behind a mask of cold civility at court, much preferring the battlefield where he could allow his instincts to rule.”

Ashlyn listened with rapt attention, treasuring this glimpse into Zade’s life. Her heart ached for the boy Liara described. She’d had no idea he’d been treated so poorly. She realized children could be cruel, no matter where they came from. “Oh no! The list!”

“What list?”

“Zade said females made lists to condemn a man before he knew what he’d done wrong or could fix it. Things he couldn’t control, like getting into fights or reading the wrong books!”

“Or having the wrong parents,” Liara smiled sadly. “Did he mention that one?”

“I…I…” Ashlyn hesitated, not wanting to offend Zade’s mother, yet not wanting to lie, either.

“It’s all right, child,” Liara added ruefully. “I am well aware of my shortcomings, and those of his father. I accepted long ago that I could not fight my son’s battles for him, no matter how much my heart ached to do so.”

Sniffling, Ashlyn nodded. “I didn’t understand when he said it. I thought he was just angry because I’d chosen someone else. That had to be what he was talking about, though. Someone in particular made him feel that way, not just the children, right? A woman?”

“You are wise beyond your years, Ashlyn of Earth. Yes, Zade was once excited, young and eager to find someone special, someone who could accept him, all of him, not just the facade he presented to the world.”

“Don’t tell me, he met a beautiful woman who acted like she was perfect, but on the inside was vain and selfish and rotten.”

“I see you’ve heard the story before.”

“Not his, specifically, but it happens where I come from way too often, to men and women both.”

“Ah. This happens occasionally on Caldor, as well. Zade thought he’d found true love and was blind to her flaws until it was too late. He shared every part of himself, believing she accepted his Saltrec ways. Then one day, he came home early from a long deployment, only to find her in bed with his best friend, laughing about the 'Saltrec beast'. He was deeply hurt.”

“Oh, no. That’s terrible. I would never do that to him.” Ashlyn raged for the young version of Zade, so full of hope and love; destroyed by the worst kind of betrayal.

“Of course not. I can see that you have a tender heart, and you love my son. Zade overheard this other woman, however, plotting to take his wealth and then leave him for the friend. After that day, Zade never allowed another female into his heart, swore he would never allow anyone to make a fool of him again."

Eyes filled with sorrow, she continued, “Zade never spoke to that woman again, cut all ties with his friend. As he matured, I had hoped he would find someone new to love, but he treated all his relationships with a casualness that was most unbecoming. Until he met you."

Tears flowed freely down Ashlyn’s cheeks. Zade’s past, the hurt and betrayal that had shaped him, weighed heavily on her heart. "I know we just met, but I love him so much," she repeated, her voice breaking. "I can't lose him."

Liara squeezed her hands. "Brennar told me about your courtship with my son. The truth is obvious to both of us; Zade is deeply in love with you. It takes great courage to love like that again, after being so deeply wounded. Right now, I think he’s fighting to come back to you. So, whatever happens, know that you have given my son something precious—a reason to fight, to live. I will stand by you, no matter what decision you make. I know Zade would want you to be safe above all else."

Shocked, her heart aching, Ashlyn stared incredulously. “You think he would tell me to let him go.”

A tear slipped from Liara’s eye. “I do. He would not want you to risk yourself for him.”

“He would do it for me, though. He already has.”

“My son may seem hard and unfeeling at times, even bullheaded in pursuit of his goals, but if he loves someone, he’ll go to the ends of the known universe to give them whatever they ask for, follow wherever they go, walk through endless fire for them.”

“Like the shenga,” Ashlyn whispered, her throat too tight with emotion to speak any louder. “He threw himself in front of that monster to give me a chance to escape.”

Surprise flashed across Liara’s face. “He told you about the shenga?”

“He sort of gave me that nickname, so I made him tell me what it meant.”

Liara dabbed her eyes with a small cloth Ashlyn hadn’t noticed she was holding. “I used to tell him the story of when he was just a little boy, four or five years old. Over and over, he never tired of hearing it. He vowed that one day he would find a shenga of his own. I, of course, secretly hoped he wouldn’t. They're quite vicious, you know. Extremely dangerous to anyone it doesn't love and trust.”

A sense of calm stole over Ashlyn. “Thank you for sharing that story. I’ve been so confused. Would you mind if I took a few minutes to myself before going back to the other room? It’s so hard seeing him like that."

Liara patted her hand kindly. “Of course.”

As soon as Liara was gone, Ashlyn slipped out of the room, racing toward the foyer. With fumbling, jerky motions, she yanked on her snowsuit, mask and goggles, as quickly as she could, then opened the outside door. She knew her sister would try to stop her, to protect her, but she couldn't let that happen. Not now. She’d made her decision.

The cold night air hit her like a wall of ice as she ran outside. A path was illuminated by glowing crystals embedded in the ground, guiding her steps behind the house and out toward a large, dense grove of flowering fruit trees. Not stopping to wonder how the delicate blooms could survive in such harsh conditions, she followed the path through the trees until she came to a domed, cave-like tunnel with alien markings etched around the entrance. Clearly the dome was man-made, with regularly spaced skylights to let in the natural light. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and stepped inside.

At once, the temperature increased from frigid to chilled. The compact snow and ice gave way to bare rock and gravel under her boots as she went deeper in, her heart pounding in her chest. The air became more humid as she descended, laden with the perfume of thousands of blooms on the trees. This has to be the way to the sacred pool.

Nestled in between a dozen or so mature trees, partially hidden by a curtain of intertwined branches and vines, was a large pond. She pushed through the vegetation, her breath catching as the morning light shone down into the area, reflecting a swirling vortex of colors, the water shimmering like a huge, liquid prism, heavy with the scent of something she couldn’t quite define.

She froze for a moment, immobilized by the fear clawing at her insides. She thought of Sasha, of the pain her friend had endured, and of Zade. His smile, his laughter, the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the universe. The way they argued. The way he set her on fire. The way he’d refused to give up on her. On them. I’ll never give up on you, either, my love. Hold on a little longer. I’m coming.

Taking a deep, calming breath, she exhaled slowly, shed her clothes, her body instantly shivering in the cold, and entered the water. She expected it to be as cold as the air. The pool was as warm as a hot bath, like a natural hot spring back home, soothing, but she knew the pain would come.

She stepped deeper into the pool, not stopping until she was submerged up to her shoulders. Her toes began to tingle, followed by her legs. The tingling spread to every part of her as the microbes began to burrow under her skin. The tingle quickly intensified into a stabbing sensation. Cramping with pain, she sank to the bottom, curled up in the fetal position. The agony was unbearable, sharp and unrelenting. She gritted her teeth and held on, thankful she’d left the mask and goggles on, the air filtration system working even submerged in the water. Drowning, at least, would not be the cause of her death.

Her vision blurred, she jerked as though a bomb detonated inside her, every cell rupturing, torn apart and remade. She screamed. Burning ice and scorching heat, every tortured nerve ending raw and angry, stabbed at her. Death would have been kinder, the pain so excruciating, but she held on for Zade, for their love. He’d become her anchor. Her reason for being.

Time seemed to stretch and warp, each second an eternity of suffering. Markings formed under her skin, pushing through to the surface, intricate patterns glowing with an otherworldly light below the water. She fought to stay conscious, to remain in control. She was Zade’s only hope.

Her battered limbs became too heavy, too weak to resist what was happening. There was no escape. Disoriented, dizzy, she gave in to the pain, accepted it, her body losing all tension as she let it flow through her.

Her mind grew strangely numb.

She closed her eyes.

She was at peace.

Death had come for her.