The Scent

The smell came first.

It was barely noticeable at first, a slightly sweeter undertone to the harsh chemical stink in the air, so slight that Maria didn’t even notice it. In spite of all of her training and over a dozen sigils burned into her flesh, she didn’t notice a goddamn thing as the scent became stronger.

From the outside it would seem like Maria had lost her mind, even as the smell became overwhelming, like a overripe piece of fruit, she not only didn’t seem to notice but seemed to forget all about her situation.

Leaning back against the wall she let her legs uncoil in front of her. Her arms falling to the side as her breathing became slow and regular. Her expression one of someone enjoying a day out under the summer sun even as the weeping from the other side of the wall went on unabated.

By the time the door swung open and a figure stepped through it was clear that Maria was no longer seeing the harsh reality of the situation.