A squeeze of the trigger sent thunder through the room, echoing as his shoulder slammed back.
Near the centre of the target, a hole was blown clear through, as wide as his finger. Mayr winced and lowered the pistol, his aching shoulder demanding Tash's gentle touch. His ears rang, muffling the sounds behind him, and his hands trembled. The target was cracked around the middle and bits of wood lay on the floor. One shot equaled the power of battle stuffed into a tiny metal cage. He could imagine how many holes the Task Force would put in the Shar-denn.
Enough to bring them to their knees. Mayr stared at the target, its darkness as empty as their lives would be if they lost the battle.
So we won't lose. There's no alternative but to win, whatever it takes.
Arms wrapped around him from the side, soft fabric sweeping over his skin. The scent of sweet incense wafted around him. Lips pressed to his cheek, murmuring words he could not hear but felt. Tash's hand clasped his, steadying his fingers and the pistol. His heart, his sanity, his partner in the fight…
The Shar-denn would never have Tash again, no matter what Mayr had to do.
We're stronger together, unified better than any Task Force. We're the bound souls that'll mess the Shar up. We're the nasty bit of Emeraliss that'll love those bastards straight into torture. Both go in, both come out, because there's only life, only love, only this.
FIN
About the Author
Archer Kay Leah was raised in Canada, growing up in a port town at a time when it was starting to become more diverse, both visibly and vocally. Combined with the variety of interests found in Archer's family and the never-ending need to be creative, this diversity inspired a love for toying with characters and their relationships, exploring new experiences and difficult situations.
Archer most enjoys writing speculative fiction and is engaged in a very particular love affair with fantasy, especially when it is dark and emotionally charged. When not reading and writing for work or play, Archer is a geek with too many hobbies and keeps busy with other creative endeavors, a music addiction, and whatever else comes along. Archer lives in London, Ontario with a same-sex partner and their cat.
Website: http://archerkayleah.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Archer-Kay-Leah-Author/170517966489444
Twitter: https://twitter.com/archerkayleah
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