Page 336 of Black Reign

“Is that yours?”

“No.”

The priest says something to the dog.

The dog sits more firmly.

I start laughing.

Xavier looks mildly offended by the entire situation.

“Apparently we have a guest.”

“Our only guest.”

“He wasn't cleared.”

That makes me laugh harder.

“You are not running facial recognition on a dog.”

“I wasn't planning to.”

“You were thinking about it.”

“I was evaluating the perimeter breach.”

The stray gets up.

Trots directly toward us.

Sniffs Xavier's hand.

Then mine.

Apparently satisfied, he turns around and begins walking back toward the priest.

I stare after him.

“I think we've been summoned.”

Xavier sighs.

“Humiliating.”

I squeeze his hand.

Then we walk.

No music.

Only birds.

Wind through grass.

My bare feet touching the same earth I ran across as a child.

Every step brings a memory.