Marishea Ramsey
Merry was laying in the grass, in the dead of night. She was trapped between the earth and a flame warden. “Xodius,” she whispered. She looked up into his eyes and her expression softened for just a moment. She might not ever be able to express her gratitude for what he was about to do... She closed her eyes for just a moment and time seemed to slow to a crawl...
“This is the only way I can see. He wants my soul, and I want Xodius, Faila, and all the cultist refugees safe and out of his grasp.” She had said this to more than one person, but it was hardest to say it to herself in the mirror. So many times she had stood before the mirror, examining her face, her features, talking to herself, watching the changes from week to week.
Just a few days ago, Xodius had been wounded. He had been about to propose to Faila and Rex had chosen that moment to attack. That moment, of all moments. A moment that should be remembered with much giddiness and love - not fear and anger.
And so she had cleared it with all those close to her. Zaanthe was to be in charge of Scirocco. Luciendare would manage with Yasu and Dianna. Arnou... Her heart broke most for Arnou. He was the only one who didn’t seem to have anyone else to fall back on once she was gone.
Mosur.
Mosur, who had been her constant, close companion during the last few weeks. How she enjoyed his quiet company. He was so easy to talk to, so enjoyable to listen to. His presence was a comfort to her. A comfort she would cherish for the rest of her days, however short or long they may be.
Merry turned away from the mirror, pulling in a deep, calming breath as she pivoted...
Merry’s wolf-like eyes opened slowly to gaze up into Xo’s. Her fingers buried in his fur. “I’m sorry...” she tried to say with the look she gave him. It was like a knife to her heart that she could not say the words aloud... Again, his descent slowed to a crawl....
“I get your soul and in return, I leave them be?” Subigo stared her down, watching her every move. Her gaze was full of hate, but she kept her eyes locked on his as she nodded.
“Aye. That is my offer.” Her voice didn’t waver, but oh how she shook inside. Terror. What if this didn’t work? What if he didn’t accept? What if he required her servitude and not her death?
Merry brought herself back to the present. He was watching, she could feel it in the rising of the hair at the back of her neck. Subigo was watching them, making sure she played the part.
Play the part...
She focused her gaze on Xodius and she could see the hesitation, the question. She would have to help him.... With every ounce of willpower she possessed, Merry forced her features into a look filled with loathing and anger. Subigo's face flashed before her eyes and she found herself not having to try very hard.
Xo's teeth bit into her flesh and so many other faces flashed before her. Zaanthe, Mosur, Fly, Lucien, Arnou, Yasu, Dianna, Ginlan, Abigayle... So many....
He wrapped his jaws around her neck and snapped it.
At the end, she knew peace. The pain was gone, her trouble was over... It was done.
Merry was no more.
