#two now

Alyss muttered something. He tilted an ear. 

“I’m sorry, my cousin?”

She raised her voice. “Aunt.”

“Ah, your aunt. Yes, your mother was Juliya, not Andressa. My apologies. People must have always confused you for your cousin growing up. I imagine that happens less so these days. Such a shame she was taken from us, and so young, too. It is always the best ones, you know.”

Nicolette was frozen, staring at Alyss. Alyss was frozen, staring at Denard. Denard continued, ignoring or ignorant of the tension in the room. 

“It was wonderful to hear that her body had been identified and given the proper rites. That must have eased your soul, even if you could not attend. Though, seeing you now, I do wonder what injuries you sustained. You certainly do get around quite well, to my eyes. I cannot help but question if it is an injury of the soul, in which case I must confess myself disappointed, that you would allow such a weakness to keep you from where you are sorely needed.”

Nicolette tore her eyes away from Alyss to gape at Denard in horror. She glazed back at Alyss, fork now visibly trembling in her hands, as Alyss spoke with a harsh rasp. 

“What the hell do you know about souls?” she intoned. 

“Dear cousin,” Denard smiled, “I don’t mean to offend you. But you must dedicate yourself to the defence of your nation, and accept that your steps are guided by the hand of the Gods. To lose your faith in the face of trials and tribulations is to-”

“What the hell,” Alyss interrupted, her eyes cold and colorless, “Do you know about faith?”

Denard spread his hand to show off the impressive bookshelf at his back. “I am a Doctor of Theology. I have dedicated my life to the understanding of faith. You know, in your heart of hearts, that the paths we walk are not our own. Your cousin, rest her soul-”

“Died,” said Alyss. “Was that her path?”

Denard hesitated. He cleared his throat. “The gods work in mysterious ways, cousin.”

Alyss launched herself across the table.

____

Nicolette pulled their bags from the maid and went to where Alyss was sitting, staring blankly into the night. She didn’t move as Nicolette bumped her with her bag, or as Nicolette knelt next to her and pressed her handkerchief to Alyss’ split lip. A glint of light in her lap caught Nicolette’s eye, reflecting the streetlight.

Nicolette touched the back of Alyss’ hand gently, and held it up for a closer look. Shining silver on her pointer, index, and thumb, was a perfect metal cast of Alyss’ fingers, down to the ridges of her knuckles. Nicolette tapped a finger against it, and finding it cool, pulled the whole thing off. It stuck, then slid off easily, leaving behind unmarred skin. Nicolette turned it over in her hand. On the thumb of the cast was a half-melted emblem. 

“Nicolette?” Alyss whispered, moving for the first time. Her eyes slid from Nicolette’s face to her hand. 

“Yeah,” said Nicolette. “I’m here.” 

Alyss licked her lips and shifted weakly. “What’s that?” 

Nicolette looked back at the impressive house. “I think it was one of his forks.”

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@thetruearchmagos @dyrewrites, I hope it was worth it and you like it.