Chapter 5.

I am getting used to that smell. It grows stronger as she moves to my side.

I smile to myself, as I steal a look from the corner of my goggled eyes.

We stare, together, at the stars. I want to speak with her.

A frown passes over her face; her eyes quickly moving to me.

"I have to go now, Riddick."

I nod, tightening my jaw when the air begins to stir.

"Lord Marshal, I must speak with you."

"Later, Witch." I say as I look at the old woman, her scarf wrapped to hide the mark I gave her.

Kyra is gone now. I turn and head for the door.

The old woman is following; she must think it is important.

The halls are emptier than before. I'm sure my orders to speed up the trip have caused them to scramble with their plots.

The quicker this trip is over, the quicker I can go on my way.

My thoughts wander back to Kyra. I wonder what it is she will do once we reach the threshold. What will happen to her?

"Riddick, it is not wise to become attached to her. She will not be the same once we pass the threshold. She will change."

I accept Aerions' words for what they are - a warning. Yet I have a hard time heeding it. Even in her necromonger state, she was with me. She just chose to hold her bluff until the very end.

Tol and Vaako whisper to one another, stealing glances at me from where they stand.

I look at the hideous and tormented statues that stretch from the tall ceiling. Thoughts of Chillingsworth pop into my head. That was the first time in which she showed her loyalty to me. Also, it was when I realized I was no good for her. She was young then, impressionable as the holy man said.

All my life, I thought it was my presence that caused the pain and destruction to those I dared to care about. It took a young girl and a holy man to make me truly understand that it is just a mere touch upon their lives that leaves the mark, dooming them.

She is already dead – what harm can I cause her now?

Aerion still follows as I wander the halls, eventually making my way to my quarters again.

I take my goggles off and rub my eyes. I'm tired.

"What exactly will happen?"

"She will rise, Riddick. And you… will fall."

Please let me know what you think.