Page 113 of The Nameless Ones

‘Can’t you feel it?’ said Johain. ‘She’s gone.’

Zorya opened her eyes. Jennifer Parker was standing before her. Behind Jennifer, the dead immersed themselves in still waters.

‘You were right,’ said Zorya. ‘I wanted to hurt them, just as they once hurt me. Men, women, all of them.’ Zorya’s voice sounded clearer to her than before. She was of this place now. ‘Are you going to hurt me as well?’

‘We’re beyond that,’ said Jennifer.

‘Are we?’

‘It would serve no purpose. And I understand you. You see, I also want to inflict punishment. A man tore me apart. He cut off my face and punctured my eyes.’

‘I’m sorry,’ said Zorya.

‘I know you are. I want revenge for what was done to me.’

Zorya looked beyond Jennifer to where the dead lost themselves.

‘Must I go with them?’ said Zorya.

‘Not if you don’t want to.’

‘What else can I do?’

‘You can be like me,’ said Jennifer, as worlds burned in her eyes. ‘You can wait.’