Proem by Alika K. Josh

ZEKIAH (Z) AKOL can’t escape his past.

It haunts him in every step he takes, every memory he dreams, and every glimpse he gets of him- Icarus. No matter how fast he runs, the screams of his family and the blood on his hands follow him closely, reminding him of his sins.

Trying to leave the past behind is futile, so he brings it with him as he moves forward. He has a plan. He’s going to find the tyrant that destroyed everything he’d ever loved and slit her throat on the very thing she loved: her throne. After all, revenge is the only way to quiet the ghosts, right?

But then Icarus jumps back into his life and refuses to leave him alone, making all sorts of unneeded and unwanted feelings mess up his plans.

Z tells himself to get back on track and avenge his blood, but maybe what he really needs isn’t revenge, but relief. He offers him a hand, but will Z take it? Can he?