Chapter 16

16

A zlan

“It’s not real!” I shout across the strange sounds ringing in the mist. “We need to keep moving. It’s not real.”

Although it sounds real. So very real. Like she’s just there, hovering somewhere unseen in the mist. All I’d have to do is follow that voice and I’d find her.

I’d forgotten her voice. Soft, gentle, soothing. It’s been so long since I heard it, so long since she kissed my cheek and stroked my head. It slices right through my heart, all that pain I’ve kept suppressed deep deep down inside me, rising to the surface.

I miss her. I miss her so very much.

I strain to hear what she’s saying, what she’s telling me.

But my mother’s isn’t the only voice I hear. There are others too. Drowning out her words. Taunting me. Men I’ve killed. Lives I’ve taken .

They swoop closer, sharp fingers scraping at my flesh, angry faces sneering and hissing at me.

I screw my eyes shut.

It isn’t real.

I shove the boat forward, moving it more quickly through the water, trying not to listen, trying not to hear.