Scorpion (The Exodus)

by Avina St. Graves

Little by little, I’ll get her back. Not the old Zalak, but the one who survived.

This is the first time I’ve met this version of him, and I don’t know what to make of it. But I can’t help feeling some semblance of solace knowing that I’m not the only one whose skin had to turn into stone to make it through.

How long has it been since human touch hasn’t hurt?

“Let me make you another promise. One day, you will finally be my wife.”

Look at me, Mom. It’s your favorite son.