Chapter 43
A woman.
Her hair shone white in the moon’s brightness, her shredded clothes barely covering her. He watched as she drew near. He could tell from the blood that covered her that the night had been filled with death. She looked weak. A stab of panic clutched at his stomach. He had to help her.
Moving quickly, he thrashed through the brush until he was on the path, running toward her. He ran as fast as he could, but just before he reached her, she sank to her knees and crawled along the ground until she at last gave up. Kneeling beside her, he pulled her into his arms and gathered her close. Blood soaked her clothes and her skin, but Judas could tell it wasn’t human carnage. He felt a stab of relief and held her tight against his chest. Unbidden, warmth gathered in his chest and wetness around his eyes. Surprised, he reached up and felt his face, pulled his hand back, and looked at it.
My God, he thought, it was a tear.