Free The White Renegade (Viral Airwaves) by Claudie Arseneault Page B

deep breath. “I’ll warn you. Whatever is next, I’ll keep you posted. I have too few friends to leave them behind.”
    Once Seraphin had agreed to this, Alex dropped the subject. They shared a light meal—Seraphin knew he couldn’t keep anything heavier down—and Alex told some stories from his last summer as Old Walt’s apprentice. They didn’t linger on the fact the old man would’ve been in that basement, along with Damian Holt. Seraphin drew strength from the ordinary conversation. He would miss these chats more than anything, but he reminded himself Alex hadn’t been there most of his life. He had managed so far, and would again. Both Stern and Alex would be waiting for news from him, too. Seraphin might be alone in the next months, or even years, but it wouldn’t last. By the time he was ready to leave, a careful optimism had replaced his numbing exhaustion.
    Seraphin shouldered his supply pack, frowning as the weight settled against his back. Alex had been thorough, and it was quite heavy. The trek to the river would be rough, but at least he would have everything he needed. Alex stole a final hug from him, and for a moment they went on their tiptoes, and Seraphin thought they would kiss him again. Then their nose scrunched up and they clacked their tongue, drawing back.
    “You still stink. These things will have to wait for a time when you're less undead and more human.”
    They gave Seraphin a playful push, and he replied in kind. His cheeks were hot. He couldn't help but hope there would be more than a kiss next time. The tingling warmth he'd experienced when Alex had first straightened up on that rooftop had never vanished.
    “Then I shall be clean when we next meet. Until then … take care of yourself.”
    Seraphin’s voice had fallen to a whisper. If he didn't leave now, he might never find the strength. He waited for Alex to return his good wish before spinning on his heels and hurrying away.
    His heart tightened with every step down the slope. Seraphin threw one last glance backward, at the fallen tree he'd once admired for its resilience. The pale gray bark had already grown darker from dirt. It seemed at peace, lying on the ground, half its twisted branches broken. Perhaps it deserved the rest. Perhaps everything would be okay, despite its fall. After all, Seraphin had learned to stay proud and stand on his own just in time.
    The tree’s legacy was another he’d be proud to carry on.

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    The story continues with Viral Airwaves .

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Stories have always been an important part of my life. From reading to roleplaying to writing, I can’t think of a moment characters haven’t lived in my head and I’m proud to be able to share them at last. I’m also a biochemist hailing from Quebec City, where I spend the rest of my time advocating diversity, gaming, reading and geeking over squids and hot air balloons.