"How does it feel?" A soft voice filtered through the night air like silk over bare skin, and I shivered slightly. I was not alone. I'm never alone…
"How does what feel?" I said softly, nearly a whisper.
"Freedom."
I gazed out into the glimmering city, my eyes dead. I opened my mouth slowly, allowing my deep voice to echo off the silent streets. "It feels cold."
A light touch brushed against my neck and then my jaw. I didn't react until a delicate hand pulled my apathetic gaze to Lust's. I looked into her eyes obediently, never once a thought of defiance crossing my mind, and she stroked my cheek gently, causing me to shudder. Her red lips tilted in a small smirk as she sat down beside me, cold shoulder brushing mine. Her gaze was kind, but there was no warmth there. There never was. You are mine, she seemed to say.
We sat in silence for a quiet moment, and then she finally released me, standing to her full formidable height. "Come, Empathy. It's time."
I stood as well, pushing myself to my feet, every movement as graceful as my companion's. I passed my gaze once more over the empty rooftop with a pang of longing before resolutely facing forward, stepping up by her side. "Let's go."
Hello, all. Guess who's back! I have returned from the trials of academia and have come out the other side, triumphant and free! Haha, just kidding. I did graduate though, so the stress of senior year is finally over, and I have brought you the next part! As promised, I posted this to the first book so ya'll could find the next one. The preface will be posted sometime this afternoon, so I can't wait to see you there! Get ready for Substitute Soul Book 2: Divergence.