Oh Me, Oh My.
the-masteruniverse The utter lack of depth in his voice caught my attention, the undertones of tension filtering through my weary brain. Worry began to prickle at the vestiges of my conscious and I forced the fatigue aside long enough to formulate that something had gone very, very wrong. My own ailments momentarily conquered, I nodded more to myself in response, a soft noise of acquiescence my only verbal acknowledgement to his statement. The line disconnected shortly thereafter and I scrambled unsteadily to right myself, pulling my appendages into an alignment more conducive to the task at hand: getting dressed. After an absent minded stumble into and out of the massive closet in the rear of my flat, I haphazardly made my way down the stairs before skidding to a halt in front of the entryway vanity. The last few remaining traces of color in my skin drained at the wraith staring back at me. Shoulder blades protruded where once skin had softened them into gentle, elegant slopes and expanses, cheek bones were far more prominent, and a dull sheen of sweat dampened my forehead, causing the normally full and shimmering locks that cascaded to the middle of my spine to appear even more dull and lifeless. A pitiful moan squeaked from between pursed, thin lips and palms fluttered anxiously over my form before settling to my sides once more. Distraught, I made my way out the door to the vehicle I knew would be waiting by the curb. Lex was nothing if not punctual. Sliding my way across the leather interior, skull leaned back against the headrest. For the first time in days, lids drifted shut and I gratefully succumbed to the darkness. After what felt like mere moments I was jolted awake as the automobile slid to a final, shuddering halt. With the help of the chauffeur I picked my way carefully up the walk. Giving a small nod of acknowledgement to the man holding the door open for me, I leaned against the frame of the wooden slab upon entering. As soon as the board clicked into place, my senses were assaulted. The faint smell of blood registered, as well as the sound of tears. Thoughts shifted into overdrive, picking through the heartbeats in the dwelling until certain that those that mattered were safe. Irritation colored my mind, centering me for the present moment. Something had occurred, and I didn't like it. Not one bit. I meandered weakly through the tastefully decorated halls of his abode, habit and muscle memory guiding my way. As I drifted past the nursery, a small noise piqued my interest. Careful not to make a sound I slid through the cracked door and picked a path cautiously around the various odds and ends strewn about the floor. A smile pulled at the corners of my lips at the sight that greeted me in the crib. While Artemis lay fast asleep, Thomas was awake and alert as though he had anticipated my arrival and known I'd poke my head in to check on their well-being. I slowly leaned down, gathered the reaching infant to my chest, and returned to the hallway. Bestowing gentle, fleeting kisses to his fragile skull, I arrived in the office in time to be assaulted by a smell so dreadful I was certain my immune system's betrayal was imminent. Forcing my attention to the babe clutched lovingly in my embrace, I cataloged the scent as best I could. Dried blood, tears, and a few other off putting aromas that I couldn't place filtered their way through my nasal passages, burning all the while. All of it culminated in a singularly unique and overpowering stench: death. A frown creased my still damp brow, and I shifted Thomas to my hip to absently rock to and fro. "What has happened, and who do I need to eat?"