literature

Edge of Thorns 4 - Pt 30b

Deviation Actions

Cei-Ellem's avatar
By
Published:
356 Views

Literature Text

Part 30b
I am absolutely certain.

Without hesitation, the writer took his hand, never breaking his gaze. "Yes."

The corner of Raphael's mouth twitched, but the frown remained as he clasped Nathan's hand firmly and pulled him up onto the ledge beside him. "Do not let go," the angel warned him quietly before looking away, down towards the snow covered streets below. "It is a long way to fall."

He didn't need to be told twice, legs shaking while he found his balance. He didn't dare look down himself. "Tell me," he repeated, keeping his eyes on Raphael. "What is the third option?"

The angel drew a long breath. "The third option," he said slowly. "Is to remove the linchpin, the one thing giving the Sins reason to act." He cast a sidelong glance towards Nathan. "Do you know how many will be hurt trying to bring the sisters to heel? How many will suffer because Lumiel chooses to use them as a tool in your ordeals?" He looked away again, but didn't give him a chance to answer. "So many lives put into turmoil -- or even lost -- on account of one..."

"Wait, what are you saying?" Nathan's brows knotted while he searched the angel's face, his heart racing. "You... Y-you don't mean that this is all my fault, do you? That I'm the linchpin?"

"No, it is not your fault; that blame belongs firmly on Lumiel's shoulders. However, you are the one he is testing. Remove yourself from the equation, and he has no reason to continue using the Sins this way. People will be hurt, people will die, but that all ends the moment you do." Raphael sighed and frowned again. "I told you it was not a viable option."

Anger, guilt, and vertigo began to make Nathan dizzy, competing for dominance over his emotions...
Well, the results were so quick (and so unanimous -- good grief, I've never seen a turn out like this!), I decided to go ahead and give this short follow-up. Now you get to decide on how Nathan reacts to this revelation...

THE CHOICE HAS BEEN MADE: Read Part 31 to see his decision!

<<< BACK TO PART 30

ON TO PART 31 >>>


START AT PART 1
© 2014 - 2024 Cei-Ellem
Comments4
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
UltimaMage578's avatar
Whoa. The lynchpin.

Of course this may be expected.

I guess the removal of the lynchpin can be by death, though there may be more democratic ways.