章 130: Almost There

JAMES

A bomb explodes.

I don’t hear it, but I feel it. See it.

A blast of wind blows over us, knocking the woman off of me, making the rock things let go. I feel like I’ll never see again, the light’s so blinding. It erases everything from my vision, the rocks, the woman, Horonius - everything. All I see is burning white light whether my eyes are open or not.

When I can finally take the brightness, I slowly open my eyes, finding myself curled up on the rocky ground in the fetal position, my forehead tucked against my knees. I uncurl and look around. The light’s faded some, but it still fills the corridor like noon at the beach. Horonius - the-dog faces me, dozens of rock creatures littering the floor around him. His eyes shine bright red in the light.

He walks toward me and as he does, he becomes human again. He reaches down and I see his skin riddled with cuts and bruises, yet his grip on my arm is strong when he pulls me to my feet.

“Are you well?” he asks.