Page 199 of Commanding Scythe and Sky

“You’ve done this before?”

I knew the answer before the shadow said, “Yes, Ally. We’ve done this before.”

“And… and this used to fit me better?”

Silence stretched. “Yes, Ally.” Was that… sadness in his voice? “Washing it when they take you doesn’t seem to help.”

“You came to hell for me?”

“I was already in hell, don’t flatter yourself.”

“Why?”

“Why was I in hell?”

“Yes.”

“A prison of my own making, I assure you.”

“Hmm,” I breathed as my legs protested even that small effort. I lowered myself onto the cold stone.

“Don’t do that, Alvara. Don’t lie down. Not now. Not yet. Wait for him.”

“Him?”

“Help is coming. I promise you—just hold on a little longer and help is coming, all right?”

“There is no help.”

“Not for me,” he agreed. “But your purpose—you haven’t fulfilled it yet. Hold on, all right?”

“I’m tired,” I confessed, resting my cheek against the cobbles while my fingers traced the seams between them.

“I know, warrior. But so many people are counting on you, Ally. They won’t miss me—it’s why I came here. I made my bed, but this… what they’ve done to you? Christ, that’s fucked.”

“Made your own bed?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t have a bed,” I observed, my throat beginning to ache from the effort of speaking.

The shadow shook his head. “It’s a turn of phrase.”

“Not a very good one.”

He scoffed, and the sound almost resembled humor. “It means my predicament is my own doing.”

“Why?”

“I… I’m not a good person.”

“But you’re a kind one.”

“To you, maybe.”

“Why?”

“Destiny, I suppose. This is my penance. Perhaps I will find redemption in the After if I get you out of here.”