Hand them over

You nod solemly, you can’t let them go. That’s just the ugly reality. They get up from the chair and you take a step to the side. For a split second you thought they might have something planned but they just walk calmly to the bookcase and step aside so you can open it. You reset the security break and pull the nob, after hearing a soft click you open up the door. “After you.” You gesture them in and without as much as a word they walk down the tunnel. They didn’t seem worried by the tunnel, or afraid or in awe. And for the first time you actually believe their story. You want to run away, want to be innocent, want to be clean. But you stopped being clean a long time ago. And redemption isn’t there for you. Not anymore. When they go to the curtain they walk straight to Xenon. “I’m baaaaack!” They shout almost maniacally and the sudden burst of sound makes your ears flatten for cover and your tail puff up in shock. Xenon looks at you, confused. You shrug. “How delightful, a volunteer? and Nel, it’s been a while since you visited my workshop, this must be my lucky day.” “Quite.” the strange guest says with a grin. A feeling of unease creeps onto you but before you can place it you hear the holler of a gunshot followed by the bang of a dying cry. You watch as your friend falls to the floor blood sprayed around the room. They turn their attention back to you. You panic. You turn to my heel and run. You’re not fast enough. The pain explodes in your head but then there is nothing. And you are dead.