Page 76 of Remnants: Disruption
She makes quick work of the other Remnants. None of them even manages to throw a punch, much less use their powers. Like Darkrend, each of them seem limited to flesh and bone.
My vision darkens as I watch the gore and guts. It’s only by sheer will and morbid curiosity that I manage to shake myself out of the stupor.
Good thing, too, because as the creature shreds the final attacker, she turns to me.
“Oh, this is going to hurt,” I hear my voice, but it sounds far away.
In a way, it’s somewhat of an honor to die to a creature like this. To something so magnificent and unearthly. To something beautiful.
The creature changes, though. As she steps forward, the torso slims. The face flattens. And the legs straighten. The wings disappear and as I blink back the haze, I see her.
Bloody Mary.
And she looks horrified.
“Oh,” she drops beside me, mouth moving faster than I can watch. Her ruby-red lips catch the light of the room and shine with something almost magnetic.
She’s dressed like I’d just seen her. Gorgeous.
“She’s perfect for you,” Percy says from beside me; I glance up and find her staring at us with a gleam of pride in her eyes.
“Perfect?” I ask, and she gives me a signature cocky smile.
“You mean something to her. It’s in the way she looks at you. Don’t mess this up, Skovsgaard.”
“Fuck you,” I chortle, my words slurring. “She just wants to recruit me.”
Mary’s eyes find mine and she frowns with concern before looking up to where Percy stands. But she shouldn’t be able to see Percy.
“Bloody Mary in the flesh,” Percy whistles. “Not only does she care about you, but I bet she’d bring down the world for you. And she probably could.”
Warmth burns at my chest, and I look down to see Mary’s hand against my sternum. The red glow feels good. Like a soothing massage working out kinks.
“You need to stay alive now,” Percy says, kneeling beside me.
With Mary on my left and Percy on my right, the blend of living and dead is almost too much for my mind to comprehend. Yet, I try to give Percy my attention as she begins to disappear.
“I’m moving on, Arya,” she gives me a tired smile. “You’re in good hands now. Be well.”
“Goodbye, Percy,” I whisper, feeling my eyes prick.
“Stay with me,” Mary’s voice sounds loud and I startle, looking back at her.
“Why?”
“Because I need you to,” Mary whispers, then she leans forward and captures my mouth with her own.
Chapter 32
Interlude
Later
Things have gotten worse for her. I am unable to assess why, but this week she’s begun to sleep less. She won’t talk to De Luca, but her clear infatuation is likely the source. She deserves better, if you ask me.
Recovered Unsent Report from Bloody Mary to Tempest, October 20th, 1030 A.D.
Arya’s body fits nicely along my arms despite her exceptional height. She’s lighter than I expected. Thinner. Angles along her skull cast shadows down her cheeks.
