The Sentinels good morning, worm, your honor

he rested against her body and the ash, feeling the resistance that rose in her blood. she rose and shuffled away; iliksis watched the girl dully, but remained prone against the dark earth. he did not rise to pursue her, but spread on the ground in total comfort. 

he had found the crack in her bravado, drawn forth by a single touch -- and knowingly, the monster smiled to himself.

"who gave you that?" the man quietly asked, staring pointedly at the scar that tore across her once unblemished features. he had remembered a time she was not so disfigured; still, he preferred her marred countenance.

it was ugly, like him.