For a single moment, genuine surprise is all that filters through the forefront of Shiki 's mind.

How is he still alive?

' The lines. She 'd definitely

cut

the lines. Shiki had been certain that he was

dead.

Except, the undeniable reality of the situation is that Araya is somehow still

here.

The man is alive and well, and his fingers are currently clamped down tightly over Shiki 's throat.

How?

The way that Shiki 's abilities work ' whatever she cuts the lines of,

dies.

There 's never been an exception to this. Until now.

But there 's nothing that

explains

this, not unless '

Another memory rises in her mind, unbidden. When Satoru-niichan had rescued her from the Kamo clan compound ' Araya had 'died ' then as well. In fact, his entire body turned into a bloody

paste

beneath the overwhelming force of her cousin 's Red.