Elián;
My knees ache against the cold floor, but I barely feel it.
Queen Selthía's hands are on my cheeks… warm, and steady, as she tries to ground me, but I'm shaking too hard to take comfort in anything.
Zerana is standing close, with her arms crossed tightly, and her face sharp with alertness.
Her eyes are studying me. My every move, my every breath, my every tremble. Like a doctor looking to make a diagnosis.
"Elian," Queen Selthía says softly, as she urges me again.
"Tell me what happened. Who's Elien?" She questions, and I try to breathe. I really do, but I fail.
"He's gone," I whisper hoarsely as it's the only thing I know how to tell them.
"Who?" Zerana asks.
"Start with that." She urges, and I sigh.
"Elien," I choke out.
"He disappeared. I can't feel him. I can't hear him. It's like… like he was ripped out of me." I cry, and
Both women stiffen.
"Out of you?" Zerana questions and I nod, when Queen Selthía settles on her calves in front of me.
