126

Inari pov

...

The dark moonlight shines on my face. The area that I was in is different, a complete change from where I was. I remember smoke. A burning sensation not too dissimilar to that long death.

I expected to wake among the dirt and stone of my cores hiding place. Someplace where the dreary light would lead to depressing thoughts. But I'm here. Some place so familiar.

I'd expected to be taken, maybe we had lost. And my soul would weep as its secrets were torn.

But no. I'm here. In a place I can recognize with the ease of breathing. Right here.

Not in some unknowable, unfamiliar place. I'm right here.

A choked sob.

I'm right here.

"She did." 

Tears sting my eyes.

"She did."

That's good. That's so, so good.

We won. 

Something wet stains the blanket below me.

I wipe it without a care.

We won.

The words taste so great in my mouth.