Burning Shadows (Chapter 5)

“Akuta has taken him in.”

“Good, my patience was beginning to wear thin.”

“I’m surprised you even know the word.”

“I’m surprised that you are treating this topic with such frivolity. Our fates hang in the balance, and by extension the stability of trillions of beings scattered across the universe.”

“I have not forgotten the odds, I’m merely celebrating our victory.”

“We haven’t won – he may yet turn from the path we have set up for him.”

“Our path.” The speaker spat in distaste. “It was difficult for them to sell us their child . . . you could see it in their eyes. How difficult was it when they had to watch him die?”

“One life sacrificed for the lives of many, many more. Is not such a sacrifice worth any price?” The silence pressed in around them like the tangible darkness.

“But what will be that price? How many . . . how many more must be sacrificed?”

“As many as it takes.”

“You are a cold soul.”

“You are mistaken, it is the breeze that chills you so. Come, let us depart from this wretched place.”

“Very well . . . we shall meet again?”

“As always.”