Ankyra Sound one thing on my mind

did you kill him?

she was sharp! qiao was initially irritated by this girl — but now, she was intrigued.

she knowingly smiled to herself as she collected the artefacts; the girl would have to earn that answer.

 it did no good to speak of him. each mention stirred a sleeping power within him, and manifested dormant memories to life. let his memory die as his soul did — siphoned mercilessly until there was nothing left. 

she cast the first bone. the second. the third.

a breeze picked up, rattling the dewy leaves of the ancient sequoia. their voices joined the ensouling.

the fourth bone clattered to a stop and qiao turned to see the girl’s eyes tracking the movement. not with awe or apprehension, as was usual for most — but a species of scrutiny that spoke to qiao.

she saw.

she knew.

what do you see?