Reverie
We traveled well into the night. The forest swallowed all sound as we moved.
No birds.
No wind.
Just the steady crunch of leaves beneath our boots and the low growl of Pantar somewhere ahead, scouting with ears sharp and muscles coiled. Every few steps, someone glanced behind us, expecting Ubel or Selene to materialize from the shadows.
The adrenaline from the fight faded, replaced by exhaustion that we felt deep in our bones.
Each of my Faction was struggling in their own way and I knew we all needed to rest before we collapsed.
Torren cut through the underbrush, jaw tight, eyes scanning the dark. “We’re half a day from the portal—less if we move fast. But traveling at night is dangerous. The Dark Factions know this territory better than we do.”
Oren didn’t slow. “We’re not stopping unless it’s safe.”
“If we keep going without rest, safety may be the least of our issues.” Nathan glanced meaningfully in my direction.
My legs trembled, though I’d never admit it out loud. Nathan was right. My healing worked fast—usually—whatever had just awakened in me, left a deeper kind of fatigue. Not physically, but soul deep.
We traveled for another hour, and I knew it was time to let my men know, my pride be damned. “We need rest.Ineed rest.” I murmured.
They all stopped.
No argument and not the least bit of hesitation. Their concern for me outweighed anything else.
Zane ran a hand through his hair. “We’ll find something. A cave. Abandoned cabin. Anything with walls.”
“There is a place right ahead that may do,”Kharox growled into our minds.
Pantar suddenly froze, ears pricking, tail stiff.
Nathan tensed. “What is it?”
The Fellat turned, eyes glowing amber, and nudged me with his head—firmly—before padding deeper into the trees, silent as shadow.“Come, Nexus, I found the place the Varruk spoke of.”
We followed.
Branches parted to reveal a narrow cut of gorge, stone walls rising on either side like ancient teeth. A thin river ran along its base, glinting under the moonlight. And carved into the rock, half-hidden by vines and moss, was a dark opening.
A cave.
Natural, but deep enough to hide us.
Oren exhaled. “We stay here until dawn.”
Nathan led me in first, one hand warm at my back. The air inside was cool and dry, smelling of old earth and stone. Zane lit a small flame in his palm, revealing smooth walls curving inward, wide enough for all of us to sleep and guard the entrance.
Oren and Deshawn checked the perimeter, shadows flickering at their boots. Zeke and Zane shifted back fully, exhaustion weighing them down. Jet extended his hand to check for lingering abilities in the air.
And finally—finally—everyone exhaled.
Chloe sat beside me, brushing the hair from her face. “How are you holding up, bestie?”
I just wanted to say it's fine, or everything's all good here. But lying didn’t feel right with this strong woman who’d traveled worlds to help find me. “I don’t know what’s happening to me.”
Her shoulder leaned into mine. “Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.” She turned her wrist over. “See this mark, this means I will always be here for you, no matter what.”
