Two hours until execution.
The smoke begins with a cough. A subtle one, like when you swallow dusty air. Cian groans in his sleep, his hands tuck his abdomen.
I watch him from the far side of my cell. I pick the dirt from my nails with mild curiosity. He writhes a bit. I've never seen him sleep, but now I know it's not peaceful. Is it ever?
Soon after, his cough turns into a hack, puffs of black smoke billowing from his mouth. "That's not good," I say, dropping to my knees and watching more carefully. Cian's chest lurches, his jaw unhinges, and a chimney's worth of smoke rises from him like a dragon ready to burst. It settles on the ceiling, spreading toward me. I find a tickle in my throat. Words I can't understand tumble from his lips. I scurry to the bars separating us. "Cian?" Smoke pours from him, filling the room. It pushes me closer to the floor. "Cian, wake up! You're going to kill me," I cough. "Wake up!"
His head turns to me. He hears me. His eyes flick open. They're black, only this time glowing blue fissures peak through. He coughs, the sound dry and scratchy. Ash scatters the floor. It smudges his lips and chin. The smoke builds and fills the room with purpose. It avoids the windows. It spots me. It charges for my lungs. All the while he stares at my choking form with those fiery eyes.
"I am not going out like this, you bastard." I grab my cup of water full of rain and I toss it at his face.
The resounding sizzle and proceeding guttural howl gives me unquestionable delight even as my heart slows and my breaths weaken.
"What the fuck, Hana?" Cian rubs his eyes. He notices the ashen streaks. He notices me. "Shit, Hana!"
My lungs struggle for air, each inhale hoarse and cuts like glass. The smoke finds the windows and flees. Consciousness flutters like butterfly wings. The last thing I see is Cian's hands tearing at the bars trying to reach me.
"Hold tight, Hana." His hand finds mine, outstretched and bracing my head. I feel his cool fingers grip me. "Hold on..."
YOU ARE READING
All's Fair in Revenge
FantasyComplete! Hana is the daughter of a renowned healer in the raiding village of Srisset but she would much rather stab someone than mend them, she'd rather fight on the front line than stand behind it, and she'd much rather gut the Dorsi soldier who k...
