Westley pointed to a large circle on the map. “We’re going to be on the West side of the woods. Jade said she was sensing something in that direction. There is a small town right there.”
I nodded as I took in the coordination for the day. “Who’s all going this time?”
“Us, Brandon, and Jade. We wanted to keep it small and travel light today.”
I nodded when I heard the sound of a car door. I turned around and spotted Brandon as he got out of his vehicle. I raised an eyebrow. “I thought you said Jade was going to join?”
Westley and Asher both nodded. “Brandon said she was joining, but maybe something came up with Ilsa, and she decided to stay behind. I guess three of us will be fine.”
Brandon walked toward us and sighed, looking like he’d been through a battle already. He paused as he shook his head. “You’re not going to like this.”
“Like what?” Asher asked, looking confused.
“Not you guys,” Brandon said, turning his gaze to me. “It would seem that Nora will be joining us today.”
All eyes fell to me, and I snorted. There was no way that Nora was going to be joining us. She would have mentioned it to me.
Before Brandon could say anything, another car pulled up, and I spotted Jade and Nora both in the car. My heart stopped beating as I realized he was being serious.
I looked at Brandon. “What the hell! She can’t join us out there!”
“Well, it would seem that Nora is indeed joining us,” Westley murmured as he got up from the table.
“Brandon, please tell me you told her no.”
Brandon scratched at his head. “It wasn’t me that said she could join.”
“We’re here,” Jade sang as she and Nora started walking toward us. Nora walked a step behind her, almost skittish. “What’s with the face?” Jade raised her eyebrow at me.
“Do you honestly think Nora is ready for what is out there?” I asked, the words coming out harshly.
Jade crossed her arms. “Yes, she’s been training.”
“That doesn’t mean she’s ready,” I snapped. “She could get hurt! This isn’t a joke, Jade!”
“Enough,” Brandon said calmly. “We aren’t going to stand here and argue all day. She’s been training, and if Jade thinks she is ready, she’s ready.”
I felt my nostrils flare, irritated. I watched as Nora shifted on her feet, looking uncomfortable. But I kept my mouth shut for now.
We gathered the map up and headed into the woods. We were paired up as usual, and I was paired up with Nora. As everyone walked ahead, I hooked my arm with Nora, pulling her to a stop.
She frowned. “Why are you stopping us?”
“Are you sure that you’re ready for this?” I asked.
Nora’s frown deepened. “Do you think I would be here if I weren’t?”
“I just…” I took a deep breath. “I just want to make sure you’re ready for this, is all. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Her face softened. “I know I’m new to my magic, but I know what I’m doing. I’m ready to be out here.”
I felt my shoulders relax slightly. She gave me a soft smile before pulling her hand free. I took in the group and knew I needed to trust her. There was no turning back either way.
We walked for hours, moving quietly and speaking little. I kept my eyes peeled, nervous that something was going to happen. I was more tense than normal, and I knew it was because Nora was with me.
She walked calmly, her eyes scanning as she moved. She didn’t look nervous like I expected.
“There is a small town coming up,” Brandon said, pausing as we all moved closer together.
