The Devil You Know

SHIBA KLEIN

As she walked, she hardly noticed when her trail was picked up by someone else nearby, unaware of the distance being closed between the two of them until a voice called out her name. She stopped, knowing that voice as well as she knew her own, and quickly turned to verify that it really was him. Hannibal was moving closer, and she began to walk as well, closing the space between them as quickly as possible. As he embraced her, she leaned into his touch, her eyes shut as she breathed in his scent. It was mingled with the scent of others that she recognized, and she nearly laughed with relief. He stepped back then, asking her if she was well. "I am now. And you? How is everyone else? What have I missed?"

She had a million questioned, a million things she needed to catch up on, and she couldn’t help but demand answers now. Last time she had seen Hannibal, someone was trying to claim him, and she had regrettably not seen the end of the fight, though it seemed he was free now. What had happened since then? "A small woman, Iolaire I think, told me Deathbell is Empress. She said everyone was close but… Well, I was a bit drunk and I got turned around." That night had become a bit of a blur, and Shiba was certain she’d never drink again. At least, not unless she was already home where she wouldn’t be able to get lost again.

"Speech."