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Dephyne let out a groan that told you this hadn't been the first time that phrase was used in this room, but offered nothing to the conversation.
<span class="mu-s">“I'm sure Garth would have gotten to it eventually. Right, big guy?”</span> you joked.
The Zombie Prince let out a breathy, wheezing sound, and that earned a chuckle from Delphyne, Young, and, miraculously, Carnelian.
Ward ignored you both and returned his attention to the mercenary. You offered the twins an apologetic look anyway, but the sister seemed to be the only one who noticed. She waved her hand dismissively, as if to say “Think nothing of it”.
You liked this twin a lot better, you thought.
<span class="mu-r">“Thrall. What is your name?”</span> Ward demanded.
The man turned to stare at him. He wore a black and gold skull helmet with angry red lenses, not too unlike the Taskmaster's. He was also very buff, and had blue skin.
<span class="mu-b">“They call me Walker.”</span> he declared, his voice sounding like it had been processed.
<span class="mu-s">“I thought he was one of yours.”</span> you said, looking pointedly at Garth. Delphyne made a sound of agreement, as if she could see where you were coming from.
Ben shook his head, but didn’t say anything. You could tell that he <span class="mu-i">wanted</span> to say something, but couldn't risk communicating it to you without being overheard.
And then, something inconceivable happened.
A pale figure, a woman wearing a dark form-fitting gown, peaked out from behind Walker. Her hair and eyes were black as pitch, and her movements flowed with an unnatural grace.
You were about to ask whether this was another warrior, when you looked around and realized that no one else was reacting to this. Not even the man that she was standing directly behind.
Those dark eyes fixed on you, and an icy lance of fear pierced your heart, freezing you in place. You couldn't even breathe! This…”thing” was pinning you in place with her gaze alone.
As soon as her gaze left you, you found yourself able to breathe again, but now she was looking past you. At something that most people weren't even remotely capable of seeing.
This human-shaped abyss of negative energy was staring straight at Khonshu. You knew, without even having to turn around. The room had grown very cold now, and you couldn't hear anything that anyone was saying.
The lady in black grinned, and neither you nor Mercy could suppress a shudder at that. Everything about it just felt <span class="mu-i">wrong</span>
<span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-i">“Be strong, dear daughter.”</span></span> Khonshu said, his voice wavering, ever so slightly. And that slight waver might have been the most terrifying part of this whole encounter. <span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-i">“Don't fear the reaper. You are under my protection.”</span></span>
The woman in black stretched her arm out, and you had to fight your each and every instinct to avoid scrambling away. But instead of reaching for you, she turned her arm over, crooked a boney finger, and made a “come hither” gesture.
A moment later, she was gone, and so was the reassuring presence of your god.
(Cont.)
