Burned

Epilogue

     Darkness spilt before me, blinding me. I wasn’t sure if it was true darkness or if I was still unable to open my eyes—unable to move. The pain itself was unbearable. Enough to topple me each time I stood.

     The wound in my chest ached like a thousand lesions, digging deep and burning hotter with each breath. I hadn’t imagined it would be like this. I couldn’t begin to fathom the pain I would endure just to survive. For them to believe I was not alive.

     My eyes were closed. Opening them was nearly painful. I would have given anything to fall and rest—but I couldn’t. Despite being on Earth, I wasn’t able to stop yet. There were things I had to do—places I had to establish myself. Especially if the rumors the Airen ninja had told me were true.

     I leaned against the building, the road slick and glistening. Water poured from the sky, soaking my clothes and I could only imagine what someone would think, should they see me at this point.

     Strange clothes with bloodied tears. Pale and barely able to stand on my own two feet. It was a sickening thought to think of how vulnerable I was at this moment. To know how easily I could be taken advantage of in this situation.

     My hands pressed into the wall, the brick jutting out and pressing into my hand. It was a brief reprieve from the pain that throbbed in time with my heart’s beating.

      I had no idea where to go. No idea as to what I would do. I wasn’t even quite sure why I had run. Because I had turned on them? Because I knew their lives couldn’t be with me in it? Because of the rumors?

     They’d erased me once. They could do it again.

     I had no doubt Jack died in the battle. But Tobias…that was something else. He was powerful. Our creator and leader. He would return the fey lands to what they were meant to be—a sight I would never lay eyes on. A sight I would die protecting.

     No. I couldn’t go back. That wasn’t an option. My only option was to go on—to move forward. I couldn’t look back. I couldn’t afford to and I wouldn’t. I was far past the point of no return. The moment the wound had been inflicted—no, the moment I had spoken to her and set up this farce, it was too late to turn back.

     I slid down the wall, out of view of the cars passing by. Their headlight shone close to me, narrowly avoiding my scuffed boots and torn-hem bottoms. My silvery-white hair clung to my face and neck, my white top stretching and clinging to the skin beneath.

      “Forgive me,” I whispered, closing my eyes as droplets of rain splashed on my face. “My friend.”

     High above, out casted against the darkened sky was the large, shimmering marquee. Its bright lights were nearly blinding as it ran its course. Three simple words.

     New York City.