“You can see it. It comes a lot these days,” Ben said, throwing the skreevil head towards the Nyrrak.

  I’ve lived long enough to see Nyrraks overgrow… but this—this one is almost human-sized, Aisha thought, lightly pinching her hand.

  “You seem not troubled,” she said.

  “Oh, she’s been around for some time. Sometimes she doesn’t even hide—but only when no one’s around,” Dakota added, hands deep in the bloody dish as she worked through the skreevil intestines.

  “You said she?” Aisha pressed.

  “Oh—”

  “We confirmed it. But Anjali… will she be able to eat?” Sky asked, stepping in.

  “She’ll wake up before we start. The heating effect did her bad, but she’s fine thanks to the potions,” Aisha answered.

  She received the cleaned skreevil from Ben. Sky came close, while Ben and Dakota sat to the side, chatting quietly.

  'I caused problems again… why is it always me?' Anjali thought.

  Old memories flickered—her walking home, her grandma saying something she couldn’t fully retrieve.

  'Oh… I know this part,' she realized as it shifted into third-person view.

  “Anjali, get behind. I’ll hold them off till it’s dark!” Aisha shouted, dragging her behind.

  Before she could grasp what happened next, she was being pulled away, distance forming between her and the other her—her last glimpse being her grandma kneeling toward a boy.

  “What happens next…?” Anjali whispered as her eyes slowly opened.

  A wooden roof. A dark room. A small window where fresh air slipped through.

  A voice—soft but familiar.

  “Stop screaming like a lunatic,” it whispered.

  “Grandma… your voice I can’t forget,” Anjali said, raising her hand.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “Still not a fan of the ‘granny’ thing,” Aisha replied.

  Anjali chuckled into a cough, her smile easing Aisha’s chest.

  “That won’t make you any younger,” she teased.

  Aisha held her hand. “I’m happy to see you smile. Dakota, bring the cup—she needs some energy to walk.”

  Anjali sat up slowly.

  “Brace yourself… this tastes—hmmm.” Aisha warned.

  Anjali drank. She tried not to react, but her face betrayed her—eyes squeezing inward.

  Dakota watched silently, unsure what to do.

  Anjali coughed once she finished. “Could’ve been worse,” she said, staring at Aisha.

  “I’m lucky to see you again.”

  “Not lucky—saved. That’s why you’re sitting with everyone at the table. It’s the least we can do to show respect,” Aisha replied.

  It took time for Anjali’s mind to gather itself. Dakota stayed quietly beside her the whole time.

  “I think I can walk now,” Anjali said.

  She placed her feet on the floor and stood. I’m fine, she reassured herself, despite the rush of dizziness.

  The rooms weren’t far apart—thankfully. She tried not to drag her feet, but every time she overdid it, Aisha cleared her throat sharply.

  It’s almost like home, Aisha thought, examining the small sitting room with nearly nothing but two chairs. Probably not even used. Like ours.

  On the left was the kitchen—warm and full of good smell. It reminded Anjali just how hungry she was.

  Her eyes met Ben’s as she entered.

  He’s the boy, she thought—then immediately looked away, only to lock eyes with Sky.

  She looks beautiful… every part compliments the other…

  “Are you sitting or—” Aisha interrupted, taking her seat next to Sky.

  The only chair left is next to him, Anjali realized. A wash of shyness fell over her.

  “We’re waiting for you. Aren’t you sitting?” Aisha said again. “Forgive her—she has a habit.”

  “Please, let’s eat,” Sky said.

  Everyone picked up a spoon except Anjali, who was lost in her thoughts.

  “I’m Sky. The little one is Dakota. The one next to you is Ben,” Sky introduced, trying to ease her up.

  “I’m Anjali,” she replied softly, cutting a piece of skreevil.

  “Thank you… for saving me.”

  First time eating beside a boy… if not everything, he’s maybe just a little older than me, she thought, a small smile touching her face.

  That smile carried her through the rest of the evening—Aisha making sure she fit in naturally.

  When it was over, Anjali asked Sky to help her with something private.

  “A quick question, Ben,” Aisha said once they left. “What do you think of Anjali?”

  Whoa… Sky asked me almost the same thing about her. What do I say… Ben thought, panicking internally.

  “If you don’t want to answer, you don’t have to,” Aisha added.

  “Mmm… I mean, she looks fine,” Ben said, eyes dropping to his plate.

  “As I said, she isn’t used to being around boys. I just wanted to know your thoughts.”

  Aisha smiled as she stood. “Please excuse me.”

  Dakota followed her out, both their plates in hand.

  “Thank you,” Ben said.

  Later, everyone returned to their rooms. Aisha’s room glowed dimly as she adjusted the magic lamp. She and Anjali shared the bed.

  Ben’s room was in total darkness—Sky’s hand resting gently in his hair.

  “I’ll wake you,” she whispered.

  “You worry too much. You’re probably just as exhausted from the fighting,” Ben replied.

  “I’ll rest… but don’t oversleep.”

  “Don’t worry. Goodnight—and Dakota too,” Ben said, lifting her hand.

  “Goodnight, Ben,” Dakota answered.

  “Goodnight,” Sky added.

  The night felt long—Ben too exhausted to even feel himself fall asleep.

  In Aisha’s room, as morning pushed in, she stood by the window.

  All this time, I thought I’d seen it all… or at least some of it, she thought, eyes on the Nyrrak resting outside.

  “You’re getting old for early mornings,” Anjali said, patting the bed.

  “I was looking at something amazing. Might be an answer… or part of one,” Aisha replied, moving closer.

  “Don’t let curiosity get the better of you.”

  Aisha chuckled, climbing onto the bed. “If this works out…” she whispered.

  Morning came fully. Sky swept outside while Dakota stayed in Aisha’s room. Anjali was bathing.

  “Sky! Sky!”

  “Oh—Dakota, yes?”

  “What do you think about a vacation?” Dakota asked.

  “Vacation?”

  “Yes! Aisha said since the journey takes a day, we could stay at her place for a while.”

  “And… you want to go?”

  “Yes! Mommy said it’s a nice place.”

  “Mommy? When?”

  “I don’t remember… but she said it.”

  Sky thought for a long moment.

  “I’ll need to talk to everyone first.”

  “I’ll call Ben and the others!” Dakota announced, already running.