Misery takes Lightning’s petulant fists in her own and massages them, working the tension out of bone and tendon. “If you remember it, then it happened.”

She turns to Misery, shining with gratitude. “It did, didn’t it? I was the one Zie told of your existence. I was the one Zie placed right beside you as you answered your calling. All this while, I’ve resented the path my existence has taken. I resented you, even. But I understand now. Why things had to happen the way they did … I’m grateful.”

Lightning leans her full weight upon Misery’s hips. She’s close enough their clavicles are almost touching. Misery can see in her expression that the thoughts in her head are hardening, her convictions setting like stone, becoming part of her architecture. “The Larex Forge told me I was to be your handmaiden,” she says. “The one to be by your side, always. And when Zie said that it was like thunder going off in my head. Suddenly my life made sense. Everything I do, I do for you.”

Misery slips her fingers downward, curling the tips into the thicket of hair between Lightning’s thighs. “Good,” she whispers. “Give yourself to me, then. Give me everything that you are.”

Lightning pushes her face into the side of Misery’s neck; her breath tickles Misery’s ears. “Gladly,” she whispers in between breaths. “It was all yours anyway.”

CHAPTER 31