Page 77 of Fallen Thorns
He rolled his eyes in such a human manner.“What do you think I am?”
“A demon?” It sounded comical when I said it out loud. Demons are reserved for comic books and stories. Ancient texts I didn’t believe in.
“Do I look like a demon?” He performed an open armed twirl on the grass, as if to prove…what?
“I’m not ademon.How insulting!”
“What are you then?”
“What are you?”
I don’t even know anymore.
“Just Arlo.”Am I a child?
He laughed at that. “Well,justArlo. I’mjustMichael.” He stuck out his elegant hand and bowed slightly so that we were no longer the same height.
“Is that supposed to be a joke?” I looked down at him, unimpressed.
He straightened up and dropped his hand. “Maybe. Maybe not. It’s ironic really. Are you religious?”
“Not particularly.”
“Then shake my hand. I don’t bite.”
So, I did. His hand was oddly warm, angelically soft, and his touch delicate. Even through my glove.
“There, that wasn’t so bad, was it? Pleased to be of your acquaintance.”
Call Mars.
“You were waiting for me to be alone,” I said, standing my ground.
“Not necessarily.”
“But you don’t care about anyone else.” Not a question, but he considered for a moment.
“Correct.”
“Why?”
“Why not?” He laughed as if it was obvious.
“Not an answer.”Call. Mars.
“You interest me.” Suddenly, he appeared taller. Or maybe he was always that height.
“Why? Why me?”
“Perhaps I see myself in you. A much younger self. And I seek to guide you.”
Yes.
He’s lying. What did that even mean?
“I don’t need any guidance.”
“I thought you might say that.” He shrugged, acting defeated. “But you might be remembering things wrong. You see, ifIremember rightly, which I always do, I saved you that night.”
