Page 25 of Speak No Evil

Can’t.

Mate.

Pain.

Must find mate.

Stupid door won’t open.

Smash until it does.

Mate. Mate. Pain.

Smash. Over and over.

Door won’t open! But her pain is less. Mate is still trapped, still in a bad place.

But no more pain.

Mate!I scream with my mind, but she can’t hear.

I don’t know why.

Brothers are behind me, talking. I don’t know why. They should be helping. I roar at them to help, but they stay still and staring.

Stupid brothers.

Smash doors more. And more. And more.

And finally doors open.

Stupid doors. Don’t even know what they’re supposed to do. Open and close is simple.

I rush in, and mate is close. I can feel her. Thoughts are easier with her this close.

I don’t see her. Just black. So much black fabric. Push it aside. Find her. Find mate.

Screams behind me.

Don’t care, only...

Mate?

No.

A wail like one I’ve never made rips from my throat as I see my mate, covered in blood, crumpled in a heap.

I go to her, pick her up, move the hair out of her face.

She’s alive. I feel her heart against my chest. But only barely. Another wail leaves me as I cradle her as close as I can.

Talking. Witches, brothers, talking. I hear it, but I can’t listen.

Jade. Perfect mate, Jade. Conquered your enemies until you used all the power in your body. Quite a feat, considering you had my power as well.

She doesn’t reply, and I don’t know if she can’t hear me or can’t reply. I don’t like either option.

I glance at the wriggling pile of flesh and meat and bone next to her. It’s still alive but only just.

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