writing_shadows

Darkness to Tabitha's light, distance to her intimacy, there was something Rose found elusive and intimidating about Isaac.

She couldn't put her finger on it if anybody had noticed and asked. She couldn't have said that his eyes, like shadow with their unblinking gaze, frightened her somehow when they widened in concern as he repeated her name. She couldn't have explained that his papery skin made her long for Witte's touch. She wouldn't have been able to express how she felt about his bond with Tabitha in any way.

And in the clamour of pain and fear, the blood and…whatever else from the animals and people; as even she felt completely drained and scrubbed raw, she watched as he saved their lives – her life – knowing that, at least right now, she was incapable of returning the favour.

It wasn't until she awoke, the sunrise rousing her from disorienting sleep, that she realised she hadn't even thanked him.