Which Side Are You On? *Part 56*

She couldn’t bare to look at his face. It was all swollen up. His lips were puffed out, eyes black as coal, his nose looked a little off, his cheeks were swollen, and there were bruises on every inch of his face. She couldn’t believe that Syth was the cause of it.

But technically it wasn’t Syth, she told herself.

“Ugh…” Markus groaned.

Was he awake?

“Markus, can you hear me?” Sovira asked.

He groaned again and rolled over.

“Markus?”

“Maybe he’s dreaming,” Sariin suggested.

“Maybe.”

“Oh, what I would give to hear thoughts.”

“What I would give just to have an ability.”

“You really wish?”

“I think it would be interesting. I mean look at what you guys can do.”

Sariin giggled, amused. “We’re not that amazing.”

“You never told me what it was that you can do,” Sovira asked now intrigued.

“Oh, it’s not much. Not as special as what the others can.”

“I’m sure it’s just as special. More special than mine anyway.”

Sariin smiled. “Being human isn’t such a bad thing.”

“I know. It’s just a little scary when you’re surrounded by a bunch of wild, loony, psychotic demons. It would be nice to kind of be able to protect myself, you know?”

“I guess it would be.”

“But Syth…He’s something else.”

“Ugh…” Markus groaned.

“So what can you do?” Sovira asked. She decided she wouldn’t mention Syth around Markus.

“I can tell where a person is just by thinking about them. But of course that only works if we’re in the same world. If I can’t sense a person anywhere, I know they are either dead or in the opposite world. That’s how we keep up with Karamys most of the time. But a lot of the times I wouldn’t be able to find him.”

“And that’s when he was in my world?”

She nodded. “That’s how we found you. We were looking for him. Turns out, he’s an escape artist.”

“Your ability is pretty nifty though.”

“I guess. But it’s not something that comes in handy all the time like mind-reading. Did you know that at least seventy-five percent of demons can hear thoughts? And sometimes that’s the only ability they’re born with.”

“Wow. Neat. So you’re one of the twenty-five percent odd balls.”

“Me, Syth, Damien, Karamys, Ahx, and actually a lot of Ahx’s family are oddballs.”

“Can Hermione only hear thoughts and send them?”

“Yes. But she believes that anyone who can hear thoughts can send them. She says it’s the same power, that people just don’t use it to it’s fullest. But, I don’t know. We’re only demons.”

“What can Ahx do besides hear thoughts?”

“He’s got incredible strength.”

“I could have figured that out.”

“Syth can do more than we even know.”

Markus groaned again.

“And Karamys can control wind and alter things. That’s as far as we know anyway.”

“And Damien? How is stronger than Syth?”

“Damien is a bit complicated.” She muttered something else, but it was to low to hear.

Sovira figured she didn’t want to talk about him, so she dropped it.

“Could I have a moment alone with Markus, please?” Sovira asked.

“Sure, I’ll be right outside. Just don’t let Ahx know about this. You know how he’ll be. He’ll have a hissy-fit.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll close the door on my way out.” She got up and left the room.

Markus groaned.

“What is it, Markus?”

He groaned again.

“I’m sorry, Markus. I’m so sorry.” She embraced him.

“He groaned again. “So-” He started saying before he began coughing.

“I’m sorry. You were right. I did like Syth, but my feelings are gone now. I’m sorry. Please, Markus, forgive me. I didn’t mean for it to happen. Please. I’m only human. We make mistakes. Stupid mistakes. I’m sorry.”

“You-” He stopped and took a deep breath.

She let go of him. She didn’t want to suffocate him if she was holding him too tight. “Just rest. You probably feel horrible.”

“I’m fine. I just need water.”

“Water? Okay. I’ll go tell Sariin.”

Sovira rushed out the door. Sariin was standing in the hall not too far from the room.

“Can you get a glass of water for Markus?”

“Yeah, no problem. I’ll be back in a minute,” she said and left.

Sovira walked back into the room to find Markus up on his feet. He was holding his side.

“Markus, what are you doing? You shouldn’t be standing.”

He looked ten times worse standing up. Syth really got the best of him. Remind me to never piss him off, she thought to herself. She was better off dead if that happened.

“I don’t need rest,” Markus said and coughed. He started walking toward the door. Sovira was still standing in front of it. “I need fresh air.”

“Ugh…” she hesitated. “I can open up the window.”

“That’s not enough.” He was still walking.

“Markus.” She grabbed his arm when he reached her. “Please, you need to lie down.”

“Don’t,” he rose his voice and looked her in the eyes. “Don’t feed me your lies. You don’t love me.”

“I do. I’m sorry. Please. If I didn’t love you, you wouldn’t be here.”

“I’m not anymore. I’m leaving.”

“Markus, that’s crazy talk.”

“Is it? You’re the one who believes in demons.”

“This isn’t a dream.”

“I know. That’s why I’m not only leaving this place, I’m leaving you. It’s over, Sovira.”

“What?”

“You heard me!” He yelled as he tried pulling his arm back, but Sovira would not let go.

“Let go of me, Sovira.”

“No, Markus, please.” She started crying.

“Let go!” he yelled and shoved her away.

She fell into a sofa as he ran off. In the distance she heard the sound of glass breaking. Sariin ran into the room flustered and bewildered.

“What’s wrong with Markus?” she asked frantically. “Is he okay?”

“He just…broke up with me.” Sovira sat still on the sofa sobbing.

“Sovira, what is Markus doing? Where is he going?”

“I don’t know. Did he say anything to you?” Sovira snapped out of it and realized the seriousness of the situation.

“No, he didn’t mention anything. He flew by me mumbling something, but it was too low.” Sovira started toward the door. “Where are you going?”

“After him. He said something about fresh air. He’s probably outside.”

“I’ll come to.”