Chapter 12 Mirrors and Smoke #2
“I guess so. But you don’t see them advocating for policy changes that could lower the maternal mortality rate in the United States, or protesting police, or coming out against the death penalty.”
“Sure, but my point is that if they think we are committing murder, I guess I can understand why they would try to stop even one.”
“Except,” I say, “they believe it because of one interpretation of a millennia-old text. The Bible itself doesn’t say anywhere that life begins at conception.
The line they always quote, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,’ is about their god planning to send down a prophet, not a statement about conception.
But they refuse to believe they could be wrong.
And anyway, their personal beliefs shouldn’t control the decisions of people who don’t share them.
Though many people might wish it, this isn’t a Christian theocracy.
It’s supposed to be a secular state, no matter how hard they try to make it otherwise! ”
JJ grins a little. “There you are. You’ve been kinda quiet, but now you’re out!”
“Were you baiting…” I trail off. I smell smoke.
“What is it?”
“I’m not sure. Just wait here in case any patients show up.”
Whatever I’m smelling is coming from the back of the clinic, but as I head toward it, I feel my steps slow. I’m so tired all of a sudden. I should sit and rest. I need to sit and rest. I close my eyes just for a moment, and feel a hand on my shoulder.
“Nisha? Nisha? Are you okay?” I force my eyes open to see Aaron looking down at me. “Are you sick?”
I am here for a reason, though I can’t remember it. I only know that something is wrong. Suddenly, magic sings in my veins. I grasp it, wondering why these threads of power are activated, and my mind clears. The demon after me was in my head just now, trying to stop me from investigating.
“Nisha, what—”
The smell of smoke hits me, stronger this time. “Do you smell smoke?” I ask.
“No.” Aaron looks worried.
“I have a hunch.” My immediate surroundings are clear, but the smell grows stronger. “Fuck,” I mutter, trying to energize myself. “Fuck!”
Aaron follows at my side as I pick up the pace, and we round the back.
A small fire blocks our path, and what smells like flammable liquid is everywhere.
Aaron curses, even as my training takes over.
We have to document and evacuate. Technically, I think we’re just supposed to evacuate. But without documentation…
“Take a picture!” I tell Aaron, who shoves his keys in his pocket and grabs his phone. I’m already dialing Diane. The call connects on the first ring. “Diane, evacuate. Call 911. Fire out back. Looks like arson.” She doesn’t respond. “Diane?”
She’s certain of her safety. They all are.
A shadowy figure emerges from around the corner, covered in gray cobwebs. The whole building is draped in his stringy, filthy influence.
Who are you?
My name does not matter, Nisha. You are about to die, unless you give in.
A small fire isn’t going to kill me. Humans aren’t that fragile.
I would stop arguing if I were you.
The cobwebs descend over my body. With great effort, I take a step forward, gathering my strength until I can lunge toward the figure. I stumble forward straight through the dissipating shadow.
You’re not even powerful enough to actually take form.
I’m too powerful for a corporeal form. You’re almost out of time. Five, four…
I ignore him and turn my attention to the building and the people within.
Your safety is a lie, I tell them, focusing on his web of power.
The strings shudder, and a few snap, but the larger network of sticky tendrils remains intact. I try again, focusing on Diane through the phone.
YOUR SAFETY IS A LIE.
“Nisha, honey, what is it?” Diane sounds sleepy.
Three, two…
“There’s a fire out back! Evacuate!” I imbue the words with the power I felt this morning, with Muya’s ability.
I can make them forget the demon’s influence, even for a bit, if I try hard enough.
I hear her leap into action, shouting instructions at the staff around her, and sag from the exertion.
Aaron approaches the fire, and only then do I spy the glimmer around the flame itself. The red burning too hot.
One.
“Aaron!” I shout, and he takes a step back, but it’s like he’s moving through molasses. I grab for his hand, and what feels like the strength of Laila’s spirit floods through me. I yank him two steps away and—
The world explodes in a shock wave. Our bodies are thrown back several yards, and I fall on my hands and knees.
Aaron’s phone shatters just ahead of us.
We’ve been pushed clear of the building and into the empty parking lot.
The flames lick the side of the building, climbing higher and higher. We have to move.
“Aaron?” I ask.
He’s facedown, but breathing. He could have a concussion or a severe traumatic brain injury or already be in a coma.
Aaron groans, his arms twitching. This is nothing like my accident, I try to remind myself.
I’m panicking. I can’t breathe. I pull my shirt over my nose and touch Aaron’s neck to find a pulse.
It’s strong. He mutters something that I can’t hear but doesn’t get up.
I don’t know what to do. He’s too heavy to carry.
“Wake up,” I command. I grab his face in my hands, my skin buzzing. I can see that the fire’s supernatural shimmer has fallen over his skin like soot. I try to scrub it off him to no avail. I channel my power, of ignorance or knowledge, whatever it is, and shove with all my might. “Wake up!”
There’s a surge between us, of what I don’t know, and then Aaron gasps awake. Coughing. Breathless.
Alive.