The In-Between (Book 1 - Death, Demons and Mere Mortals)

Chapter TWELVE - Yellow Eyes In The Mirror

Emma didn't sleep, she was too hungry to close her eyes. She spent ages in the shower, washing dirt and blood off of her slightly burnt skin. She spent most of it sat down, the water hitting her back with a force that slowly made her skin numb. She tucked her knees into her chest, closing her eyes and picturing Grim. She cursed herself for thinking about him, but she couldn't stop. She thought about all the things that were hidden from her, the things she was yet to learn or may never uncover.

Not only about Grim. She thought about herself, what would happen to her when her time was up. She thought about her mother, the secrets that she had hidden from Emma and everyone else. She questioned Death and who he was, his powers and all he controlled. She imagined the In-Between, if it was like Heaven or Hell. Then she wondered about Heaven and Hell. Her whole life, she'd thought that the two places were created by people because the idea of not knowing was impossible for humans to live with.

She managed to silence her raging mind and turn the water off, letting the droplets trickle down her body before she emerged into the cold air beyond the cubicle. She patted herself dry, pulling on fresh clothes and tying her damp hair into a low bun. Blake had managed to get over himself as the concept of alcohol lifted his spirits.

They made their way to the restaurant across the street. Emma's mind sending her back to the medicine box where Blake had hidden the jewel. She remembered holding it, too distracted in the moment to truly realise the power in her hands. The restaurant was small and cosy, the cold air beating down on their backs as they walked in.

Emma was quick to order, desperate for something to fill her up. They sat in silence. Blake toying with the glass so that the dissolving ice cubes clinked together. Emma stared at her water, looking at the distorted world through it. The food was placed down before her and she devoured it. At first, the flavour was non-existent as she shovelled it into her mouth but soon she slowed her pace, allowing the taste to burst.

She sat back, her hands on her bloated stomach. She fought the temptation to unbutton herself. 'What happened down there?' Blake asked finally, his eyes narrowed in on her in curiosity. He swirled the glass around in circles, the brown oily liquid flowing with his movements.

Emma took a deep breath, trying to form an explanation in her mind. 'Grim was there.' She stated, kicking herself for blurting it out. Blake stared at her and she hoped he hadn't thought anything of her words. 'We walked for a while. Found a tomb with skeletons.' She quickly spat out, the memory in her head fading away. She didn't know why she was talking to quickly, so erratically. 'We had to...fight them.' She finished, waiting for his response as he continued to stare at her.

He sat back, breathing in deep. 'Huh.' He said as if he'd thought something different. Emma's brow raised and she sat forward, struggling slightly at the weight in her stomach.

'What?' She asked, leaning her elbows on the table for support. He continued swirling his drink, even after he took sips. He shook his head, pursing his lips.

'Nothing,' He answered, smiling down at her, 'just didn't think it would have been that.' He paused for a moment, taking a long swig of his drink. 'Makes sense though.' He assured, looking around the restaurant. 'Why do you think they had the Mardex jewel?' Emma looked down at the tablecloth that she'd stained with all sorts of colours.

She sighed, the thoughts forming in her mind. She toyed with the tablecloth, her eyes staying fixed firmly upon her. 'You can see the past, future and present with the Mardex jewel. You can't change anything.' Emma told; her voice distant as she spoke. 'I think they used it for the pyramids, I think that's how they're so...perfect.'

They sat for a moment longer, Blake ordering another few drinks and Emma was sure that she would have joined him, but she was so tired. Her eyelids drooped and her mouth took control, yawning almost every few minutes. Blake's attention was elsewhere, he'd caught sight of a woman smiling at him from the bar.