AN: This is my first short fanfic so go easy on me, let me know what you think.
A glowing ember dances on the wind in a delicate display of orange and red. Till at last all oxygen is consumed in a final act of defiance, the ember curls in on itself, withering as it falls softly towards the barren earth.
Behind the dam lies a flood threatening to burst its banks in a tide of grief, a solitary tear breaks free and silently slides down a pale cheek, it's presence remains unnoticed by its owner.
Within seconds a flash of uncontrollable emotions wash over her, wearing her down to her very core. She is numb, unable to acknowledge anything beyond this point. Except how truly alone she is, the soul of her yet to be lover torn from the very fabric of this world, in an selfless act of unquestionable love.
A shaky hand finds it way to a locket. It's golden shell remains cool in the warm air. Fingers clutch on to the lifeline, as if the locket itself still held its previous owners essence, and refuses to let go.
"We lost Artie" the voice is soft and is all the fills the silence, Myka turns to face her partner "We lost".
The statement hangs heavy in the air, the weight of it settles in her heart, a weight Myka isn't sure she'll ever be able to lift. Her home, her family were now ashes scattered on a westerly wind pulled, on a strong current of a fate more cruel, further and further from her reach.
The sound of a chain rattling pulls Myka's gaze towards Artie's hand. In his palm lies a gold pocket watch it's soft ticking barely audible over the sound of crackling ruins. His eyebrows knit together in the centre of his brow
"Not yet" his voice filled with an eerie certainty.
Myka cannot stop the swell of hope that fills her heavy heart, the surge in her chest seems to lighten her soul of its load, but even she knows how dangerous hope can be.
"Artie w-what is..." her voice shakes with unruly emotions.
Internally cursing her current inability to remain cold and collected, as she forces her heartache into the dark recesses of her mind.
Sensing her apparent distress, Pete places a gentle supportive hand onto his fragile partners shoulder.
"What are you planning Artie?" Pete tone takes on an bitter edge "We can't use artifact's for personal gain. You know that better than any of us. The warehouse is gone, H.G is..."
Her sharp intake of air is acknowledged by those around her. Myka casts her head downwards in unspoken sorrow, more tears threatening to make tracks down her porcelain skin.
A sadness, that could be mistaken for pity, manifests in Pete's eyes.
Her voice trembles as she voices her opinion "She saved us all Pete. She saved me. We have to do something. The price to bring her back will never be too high."