MASON WILLIAMS AND THE CELESTIAL SYSTEM

Meeting Jeremiah

The familiar image of Jeremiah crawled into Mason's memory as the voice repeated the word.

“Move an inch, and I will blow your head off!” the voice threatened, in a tone meant to contain authority, but Mason could sense the rasping breath of nervousness lacing its edges. He hadn't seen the face of the person who spoke, but he was sure it was Jeremiah, as he could remember that familiar ascent of his friend even from his sleep.

“Jeremiah?!” Mason called steadily, still feeling the cold metal pressed against his neck.

“Huh?” the figure behind him taps at his shoulder and turns Mason around. “Mason!” Jeremiah half shrieked, lowering the gun as the realization of who it was hit him. Excitement and disbelief washed over his face as he glanced at Mason, who instantly mirrored his expression but frowned when he shifted his eyes to the bruises on Jeremiah's face. The deep cut on his lips gave Mason a hint: he was beaten and tortured by the Jackals.

‘Those bastard!’ Mason muttered to himsel