Page 81 of Fallen Thorns
“What do you mean you don’t remember?” Mars asked, trying to stay calm, pulling me to the side and out of view. A stinging phantom imprint tingled over my forearm. I flinched.
“I mean I don’t remember what happened last night.” At least I was being honest this time, surely Mars could see that.
“Shit.”
“What?”
“What was the last thing youdoremember?”
“The riverside.” I tore through my brain as hard as my mind would let me, taking a gulp at the inevitable struggle as I filtered through the memories.
“Walking past the cathedral?”
I nodded.
“Do you remember our conversation?”
Another nod. Then I shook my head.Do I?
“What am I afraid of?”
“Rats.”I do remember.
Something in Mars’ face relaxed momentarily, but they clenched their jaw and looked to the side. “But you don’t remember that hour, do you?” Not a question.
“So, what does this mean then?”
Sad eyes caught my own. “It’s like a few weeks ago, when I had to snap you out of that trance.”
“What are you implying?” My hands grew hot. I knew.
“The creature. It came for you.”
“And I don’t remember…” I finished off the inevitable.
“Shitshitshit.” Mars flashed their sharp teeth and slapped their legs, pacing in a circle.
Panic overcame me. What did this mean? Was it making me forget? Manipulating my memories? Or something worse? How many times could it have seen me and for me to simply forget?What if it wasn’t quiet the last few weeks. What if…
“Don’t tell Marianne,” I cried out, reaching out to stop Mars from their incessant pacing since it was only making things worse.
“I have to. She’ll know what to do.”
“No, Mars, please,” I begged, practically falling to my knees. “I can’t have her think I can’t look after myself. Everyone already thinks there is something wrong with me…”
“Who said that?” they cut me off.
“No one… I just know. I can sense it and can’t stand it. I need to fix this, but I don’t want any more attention. Help me, Mars, but please don’t tell her. It will only make things worse.”
They considered my plea — one I meant with every fibre of my being. If Marianne found out, she’d never let me out of her sight and I’d be stuck in these walls for who knows how long, any remnants of normality would be destroyed.
No, I wouldn’t have it.
“Okay.”
I let go of their coat. “Yes?”
“Yes. I promise I won’t tell her. But on one condition. You tellmeeverything and you let me stay close as much as possible. Even if you don’t think it’s significant. Maybe we can both prove to her what we’re capable of.” They threw me a semi confident grin, eyes looking up at me through their dark brows and I was once again shocked at our height difference.
