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Because I almost volunteered to stay behind at the bridge before asking whether another solution existed. Because I look toward the darkness where I imagine Nyra standing.

"Because you found the hidden bridge." She doesn't answer. "You were the one who realized living magic couldn't be commanded. You solved the challenge."

"I didn't." She finally answers after a few seconds. "You did."

"I only—" She begins.

"You invited the roots." A breath. "I would have sacrificed someone." The admission surprises even me. "I didn't even question the instruction."

Cassian finally speaks. "She's right."

Rowan groans."I hate when emotionally healthy people agree with each other."

Cassian ignores her. "Nyra." He says.

"Yes?" She answers.

"Lead."

A pause. "I can't." Her voice is soft. Uncertain.

"You can." I answer.

"I literally cannot see." She adds

"Neither can we." Cassian says.

"That isn't comforting." Rowan mutters.

"No." His voice remains gentle. "But it makes us equal."

The darkness stays perfectly still. Finally Nyra exhales.

"Fine."

The bracelet around my wrist grows warm. Silver light pulses beneath the number. The voice returns. "Leader acknowledged."

Nyra gasps softly. "I can hear something." She says.

"What?" Rowan asks.

"The bracelet. It says...Walk forward."

We wait.

"That's it?" I ask.

"That's it."

Nyra takes one careful step. I hear gravel shift beneath her boots. The rest of us follow instinctively.

"Stop."

We freeze. "What?" I ask.

My stomach tightens. None of us move. Then Nyra laughs. A nervous, embarrassed laugh.

"Sorry." She says.