Shadow Mountain Wire

Did I?

Wake’s smile was all-knowing and coy. But he said nothing. He blinked slow as the wolf gawked at him, battling an inner distress that the winterstar could see plainly upon his features.

The most desirous answer fell from Lestan’s worshipful mouth. Wake felt himself clench, nearly ruined by his own vainglorious delight. There were moons behind the bluesummer’s voice — an age of memory flashing by in a single, pained blink.

Lestan had frozen, his words rushing to reassure the living ego that he did want to know about him; that he wanted to learn all of the sweet, superficial, infinitesimal facts that would be found in his flowery obituary one day.

I only tease you, Wake soothed, turning to meet his stalled figure. If I must be the earth spinning endlessly beneath the star of you, then so be it. He hovered close now and filled his eyes and ears with the sensations of Lestan existing before him.

You ask how I will polish you? I will peel away the shell of you, with my teeth if I must, and I will worm myself into your very heart and live there for all eternity. You will hear my voice, even when you do not want to. He spoke softly, cool as the twilight surrounding them. I will build you up with my words and actions. And you will shine for me.