"First things first, let's rest here for the night. You guys just survived a long fight. I wish I could've helped," I said, leaning back against a tree.
"Relax Zac. It's alright."
"I'm proud of you, Payton," Sabrina said.
Payton blushed. "T-thank you."
"Of course. You really showed those possessed wolves who's boss. I guess I taught you well."
She nodded. "Yes, you did."
"You still have a lot of work to do, though."
Her smile faded slightly. "I know… but what are we going to do with her?" Payton asked.
"Can we please just leave her?" Ethan demanded.
I glanced at Lyra, passed out once again. The dagger had slipped from her hand. I bent down and picked it up, turning it over thoughtfully. Where did she even get this?
I sighed, rolling my eyes. "Don't we need her to get to Eldoria?"
Sabrina laughed. "No. I know the way to Eldoria. I used to visit Britney and the others often."
"You have?" I asked.
"So have I," Ethan added.
"She's useless, like always. Ha fine by me," I said, cheering a little too easily.
"Are you sure about that?" Payton snapped.
We all turned to her in surprise.
"She's the one who found the hidden passage when the cave exit wouldn't open," Payton continued, her voice shaking but firm. "She also helped us fight possessed wolves while suffering from a severe concussion possibly making it worse." She clenched her fists. "I know she's our enemy, but I think we can all agree the shadows are far worse."
Silence fell over us.
Payton flushed. "Um… whatever works is fine, I guess. Stop staring at me!"
She darted into the bushes.
There she goes again, our shy girl.
"I hate to admit it," I said slowly, "but Payton makes a good point."
"That still doesn't change the fact that Jonah is dead!" Sabrina snapped.
She wasn't wrong.
"We can either leave the girl to die," I said, "or bring her with us."
No one spoke for a moment.
"We have to bring her," Sabrina finally said. "Even though I hate it."
"Why?" Alphonso asked.
"Because Britney is expecting Lyra to show up. If we arrived without her Britney will know something's wrong and I'd rather not make her angry." Sabrina exhaled sharply. "Looks like the temporary truce is still on."
"Yay," Payton muttered from inside the bush.
"Britney's my best friend," Sabrina added more quietly. "She's kind. Important to all of us. To me."
Her mood shifted, something softer settling in her eyes.
"Well… if that's what you want," I said reluctantly, "then I won't oppose it."
Still, every time I look at Lyra, all I feel is rage. Jonah. My mother. She crossed lines that can never be uncrossed. Curse you, Lyra.
"We won't need her to lead the way," Sabrina continued. "I know the paths like the back of my hand. But if I remember correctly, traveling one foot without powers will take about three months."
My jaw dropped.
"Three months?"
"Yes. Cars are too loud and risky. And I can't use my phone, I left it in the Kingdom, and I'm not going back."
"I left mine too," I said quietly.
"Mine broke."
"Same here."
Of course Alphonso and Ethan's phones broke. They're always roughhousing.
"And mine's dead," Payton said from the bushes.
"Payton, you can come out," I said. "We're not going to bite."
She peeked out cautiously. "Okay."
She stepped out, brushing leaves from her hair. I yawned, exhaustion finally catching up to me, and lay down with my head resting on my arm.
"Wait!" Payton suddenly shouted. "Has anyone actually checked if Lyra's alive?"
I shot upright and moved without thinking, pressing my ear to Lyra's chest. I listened.
Ba-dum.
Ba-dum.
Ba-dum.
Steady.
"She's alive," I said. "Heartbeat's strong."
"What are you doing?"
I launched back. Lyra's eyes were half-open, unfocused.
"Ah!" I yelped. She startled me badly. This is awkward.
"I was checking if you were alive, idiot."
"Oh," she murmured, then closed her eyes again.
Her lashes fluttered, drifting in and out of consciousness. At least she's alive, for Britney's sake. Even if part of me wishes she wasn't.
"There's your answer, Payton," I muttered. "She's alive."
I lay back down, turning my back to everyone.
"Good night, guys."
As I closed my eyes, I heard someone whisper, "He could've just checked her pulse."
Yeah… probably.