***
{Inside The Projection}
The sky had gone quiet.
Malik sat alone on a hill's peak.
Cross-legged, hands resting on his knees, still as a statue, aimlessly staring at what was before him.
He was far from civilization, where no paths or torches marred the hill's green.
It was silent, with only the soft hush of long grass brushing against his coat.
But not for much longer.
The flapping of wings came.
A round shadow crossed his face.
It was an owl.
A black one.
This owl cut through the air and slowed mid-glide, coasting on a breeze before perching perfectly on Malik's outstretched hand.
His claws didn't dig into his flesh.
He knew better.
And Malik, for the first time in what felt like years, smiled.
Though only barely. A twisting twitch in the cheek.
A crack of light where stone used to be.
"You're late."
The owl blinked.
Tilted his head.
Offered no reply... of course.
Just those bright pink eyes that stared right through him.
"Here."
