AISLYN“Something that kills without hesitation.”

The thought settles into my bones like ice.

I don’t move right away. Neither does anyone else. The foyer feels like a held breath, every living thing waiting to see what I’ll do next, where I’ll go, who I’ll destroy.

I hate that they expect destruction.

The shadows coil low, sensing my stillness. They’re restless, nudging my awareness like impatient fingers.

Find it, they seem to whisper.

I turn without a word and walk toward the ...