“You can tell me,” I finally choked out. “I just want to know if he…” “He was alive, last I saw him,” he cut me off, giving my hand a firm squeeze. “But… there was so much happening, Nina.” Despite the hope in his words, I could see the true emotion in his eyes: uncertainty. Hot tears began to p
Nina The camp had long since gone quiet, save for the sound of the wind rustling through the canopy and the occasional critter rooting around for crumbs. Beside me, Enzo slept soundly, still healing after his ordeal. He had been sleeping on and off all day, and I had hardly left his side. But no
Nina The warmth of the morning sun filtered through the opening of our tent, gently pulling me out of the soundest sleep I had had in… well, I couldn’t even remember how long it had been. Slowly, I turned to see Enzo still sleeping beside me, peaceful as ever. Memories of our night together came
But I knew we had to help. We couldn’t just leave, not after everything. And I knew that not a single one of us would choose not to stay, at least for a few more days, and lend whatever help we could. I nodded, flashing Kai a smile. “We’ll help. It’s the least we can do.” … As the following da
Nina The portal shimmered and swirled in front of us, waiting for us to enter. We had found our way to a nearby forest clearing, where the veil was thin enough for Luke and I to open the portal. Kai stood beside us, leaning on his walking stick, and cast me a somewhat somber look as I approached.
Then, with a final nod and a resolute set to his jaw, he stepped through the portal, disappearing from sight in a ripple of shimmering energy. … No matter how much we all wanted to rest, the days that followed our return to Mountainview were a whirlwind of activity. With so much to catch up on,
Nina Finally, it was time. After two days of preparations, we went to collect Ronan from his cell. Much to my surprise, he stayed calm, not even needing to be guarded as we made our way out to the truck. After the four of us—myself, Enzo, Ronan, and Luke—climbed into the truck, we pulled out and
Ronan nodded, a flicker of relief passing over his features. “I appreciate you keeping your word.” “We’re the Peacekeepers,” I said, my voice hardening. “We don’t make false promises.” Ronan’s lips quirked upwards into a humorless smile. “Fair enough.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets, rock