Nocturne Summit diamond heart

She didn't understand the way the woman looked at her with such consternation. Shirin wanted to apologise, to proclaim that she meant no harm -- but why, and what for? Already, a disconnect. Frustration further inflamed her.

Since the last full moon. Even now, she grappled with the truth.

She closed her eyes. A memory was projected against the backdrop of her eyelids, dense as damask: a great fist of smoke in the sky, slowly uncurling.

Nearly inaudible, I have to find him. He's the only one left.