The silence after a god dies is deafening.
I was on my knees, gasping for air that wouldn't quite reach my lungs. Every part of me hurt. Physical pain, as my broken ribs were screaming, and something deeper. Soul-deep. Like I had burned through parts of myself that could never grow back.
Around me, everyone was breathing heavily. Elias slumped against a destroyed car. The dream walkers, Luna and Lorren had collapsed together in a heap. Aiyana lowered the light-stone, its glow finally dimming.
Then my eyes landed on her.
My mother. My birth mother. Lying crumpled on the blood-stained concrete, her body finally free of corruption. Merida.
"Mother!"
I didn't remember standing. Didn't remember running. But suddenly I was there, dropping to my knees beside her, my hands hovering over her body, afraid to touch, afraid she'd disappear if I did.
"NO!"
