The Final Testament of a Broken Man

Around midnight Glorius ran off. He didn't say anything. He just disappeared.

Lexi didn't want to look for him. She was shivering. I don't think she's seen much death. Especially by the standards of Master's servants. Acedia had shaken her.

I left her in a safehouse and went to find Glorius.

I found him in a mall.

Spike had a rifle with him, and I could see Scarneck behind him. She seemed... I don't know. Lost? Glorius had his own weapons and was firing at the two from across the hallway.

Spike took aim. And he fired.

Glorius went down.

Scarneck turned around and a Door appeared before her. She said something to Spike (I was too far away to hear it) and the two of them stepped through it. I rushed out of my hiding place to Glorius' side.

"Steward?" he asked, when I got there. His voice was barely above a whisper. "That you?"

"Hang on," I said. "I'll get you out of here."

He shook his head. "No... no... I'm going to go see Dana...."

It took me a second to realize who he was talking about. Dana. Acedia's real name.

"It was all so easy when she was with me. They gave us memories. I can remember losing my parents in the 9/11 attack... I can remember the Tall One finding me. I remember meeting her there.... but I remember meeting her three years ago too. I remember introducing her to my parents. Meeting hers. I remember we were walking down the street one day when He showed up..."

I was quiet.

"It was easier to just pretend that the fake memories were true... It was easier with her.... Dana...."

"Just hold on, Glorius. We're gonna get help."

"Gerald. My name is Gerald."

And then his breathing stopped.

I left him there. It was a quiet walk out of the mall. I tried to ignore the Eye's gaze upon my back.