Chapter 50

“I have found both freedom

And safety in my madness;

The freedom of loneliness

And the safety from being understood,

For those who understand us

Enslave something in us.”

.

― Kahlil Gibran, The Madman

.

MIKHAIL

I fly west, determined to find the Sata'anic Forward Operating Base. I do not stop for food or water because there isn't any, just endless desert and the merciless sun. I do not sleep because, the moment I try, all I can think of is the terror in Zakriti's eyes.

On the third day a star falls out of the sky and burns up. I follow it, praying it's an omen. On the fourth day I collapse, too exhausted and thirsty to fly another beat. I crawl towards Ninsianna, but it is Amhrán who sings to me, Amhrán who sustains me, Amhrán who begs for my return.

I lay on my back, staring up at th……