Strange Times

Jazmine had always listened to the townspeople complaining, saying they live in such a strange time when catastrophes struck. For then the heroes and the betrayers worked together.

Jazmine could not find such times strange. Of course, heroes did whatever they must for peace. And the betrayers did whatever benefited them most. Death never benefited them.

No, the heroes and betrayers working together in times of crisis, never surprised Jazmine. But she aimed to create a truly strange time.

“What do you mean no?” Cadenmoore asked. He leaned over the battlement’s edge extending his hand.

“I mean no, I’m not taking your hand,” Jazmine said perfectly aware that her stubbornness outweighed her strength as her fingers trembled clinging to a crevice.

“But we have to work together.”

“Says who?”

“You’ll die if we don’t. Everyone will die if we don’t.”

“Everyone may die. But I won’t,” Jazmine said. “I’m already dead.”

Cadenmoore’s face fell at the reminder. He’d tried to save her when she’d been yet another mortal. He’d failed. And failures either faded away or lived to tweak the conscience.

Jazmine had chosen not to fade. “In fact, this is getting boring.” Releasing her grip, she felt the air surge around her. Cadenmoore’s mouth opened as the fires rose in the city behind him.

Yes, this was truly a strange time for she hadn’t chosen to work with him. Jazmine had already been through hell once. She could do it again.