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I could become lost, a shadow in Emily’s mind forever.
But love. . .
It was not just about holding someone close; it was about diving into the unknown for them.
I love you, mysh.
With a deep, steadying breath, I made my choice. I would stay, for now, delve deeper into the enigma of Emily’s mind. I would face her demons, confront any fears, and unearth the secrets buried within.
Because if there was even the smallest chance that this could bring her healing, mend her shattered pieces, then it was a risk worth taking.
For her, I would brave the unknown, even if it meant losing myself in the process.
“Alright,” My voice steadied. “Let’s go deeper.”
“No, Kazimir. No.” Pavel waved his hands in front of me. “You must listen. It is time to go.”
I kept my view on the little girl. “Take me to the roof. I want to see Lunita.”
Chapter forty
Mean Ole Lion
Kazimir
The little girl led us up a haunting gray staircase—a child guiding two grown men through the labyrinthine of her shattered mind.
Her small arm clutched firmly around the stuffed lion’s neck.
I really need to make that bigger. It is too small.
Each step creaked under our weight.
Pavel got to my side, drew a cross on his forehead, and whispered in Russian, “In the shadows, we seek the light, guide our hearts, spirits of night.”
I gritted my teeth, remembering those lines.
Pavel drew a cross on his left cheek. “Through the silence, hear our plea, bond unbroken, let it be.”
A tremor waved through my body.
The words tasted bitter with memories of my father and mother.
Pavel traced a cross on his other cheek. “From the depths to the stars above, carry our prayers, woven with love.”
Then, he kissed his fingertips.
Continuing to climb the stairs, the little girl glanced over her shoulder. “What is he doing?”
“It is something my mother would say. She called it a prayer to the dead.” I stiffened. “She would perform this ritual whenever my father went out to kill or seek vengeance. She believed it would protect and bring him back to us.”
“So, it’s magic,” she said simply, as if that one word explained everything, as if it bridged the gap between faith and reality.
I couldn’t help but smile. “In many ways, God is magic.”
The statement felt strange yet fitting here.
The little girl nodded and put her view back in front of her.
