She slices open a vein, and out pours star-matter. Liquid and glittering, the iridescent mess drips from her arm into my cupped palms. And, for a moment, there is only this: breathing in duet (forte, agitato), her brow a slash of determination worthy of sainthood (she’s my religion, yes), and, too, the dumbass acolyte who made a promise they’re no longer sure they can keep (me).
Quicksilver catches in the open window’s breeze, splattering over my double-breasted suit.
“Oh, for fuck’s—”
“Focus, Caro,” Lyr chides. “I haven’t wasted years of my life traveling strange strands for you to get uptight over an outfit.”
I roll my eyes—affectionate—and retort: “Your brain’s been trapped in a fungal network.”
To Kneel at the Altar of Your Bones by Valo Wing
From Far Away, With Love by Carol Scheina
Guiding My Sister's Shaking Hand by Paul Michael Anderson
Kimi's Fruit Stand for Dead Pirates and Privateers by Jenna Glover
Tale of the Beast by Anuja Mitra