The Zodiac Cycle

2.18 And So Was She

Carson caught Brianna before she jumped off the ledge after Iris. Alex followed, gaining speed as they plummeted, pleading to their gods that they could reach her in time. They heard Brianna scream Iris' name and the way she screamed alone was enough to tell how much pain she was in at that moment.

There was dust everywhere from the collapsed pillars and damaged stone, so they couldnt see the bottom.

But they heard the thud.

They spread their wings out, trying to stop themselves before they hit the ground, but it rushed up at them faster than they expected.

They slammed into the ground hard, making their head spin. They ended up closing their eyes for the impact, only opening them again once they realized they were still alive.

Some of the dust had stirred around them but they could see Iris.

They groaned a bit, getting up and going over to her. She was laying on the ground, her blood pooling around her slowly. She had one arm out on the ground and he other was laying on her stomach wound, almost like she was sleeping. Her head was turned to the left and her braid had come undone, covering her face with hair.

Alex brushed her hair out of her face. Her eyes were closed and she didnt react to their touch. They pressed two fingers to the side of her windpipe.

They waited for a moment, the pit in their stomach growing deeper for every second they didnt feel anything in return.

Maybe the others can help.

Alex picked Iris up carefully and flew back up towards the ledge. The others were all waiting anxiously for them at the top, backing up so they could land and set Iris down. Carson was still holding Brianna back, and Alex took over holding the human so that Carson could try to help Iris.

He tore some of his shirt off, placing it over her wound and checked her pulse just as Alex had.

Carson put his hands together over Iris' chest and started compressions. The rest of the group took a step back again, making Carson look like he was there alone with Iris.

Alex found themselves counting the pumps.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5...

17, 18, 19, 20, 21...

33, 34, 35, 36, 37...

Alex gave up counting, and Everyone held their breaths, but Iris didnt stir, didnt breathe, and didnt open her eyes.

Keith knelt down on the other side of Iris from Carson, turning her head a bit. He looked at her face sadly before setting his hand on Carsons shoulder.

Carson stopped. Everyone saw what Keith saw.

The Gemini mark that had been on Iris' left cheek was gone...

And so was she.

No one spoke. Alex let go of Brianna who ran to her friend, sobbing. Rebecca was also crying, but silently. Alex didnt cry, they could barely wrap their head around what had happened. Amber stood completely still, looking at Carson, Keith, and Brianna around Iris with an almost expressionless gaze.

Alex then noticed Zach. He had sat back down on his throne, watching the group carefully, but not attempting to attack them. He waited almost patiently.

That is, until Amber finally moved.

She had been standing closer to the ledge, opposite of Alex and farthest from Zach.

She limped slowly, her face somewhat hidden from Alex, toward Zach. Carson noticed and looked at her as she passed by with a worried expression, but she didnt acknowledge him.