Nineteen

Roan and Aspen left soon after my brother promised to come back in time to save me. I watched them leave, making sure they don't come back. I sense more than hear Lucas come up behind me and stand, watching them leave. "That was perfect!" he complimented.

"You're going to compliment me on getting my family killed?" I ask dryly.

"Do you care?"

"No," I say and turn to him. "But we had a deal."

Lucas nods slowly. "I will keep that deal as long as they do not try to fight. If they do, sacrifices must be made."

"I am not going to fight my family," I announce bluntly.

"You will if I say so."

"You will lose your prized possession then."

Lucas narrows his eyes. "Don't threaten me, Zahra. I can and will make this worse than it is."

"Don't threaten my family."

"If you don't care, then killing your family shouldn't matter," he replies and smiles. "I suggest you find a way to suppress that emotion. It will only get worse after this."

I narrow my eyes this time. "You may have me, but what if they win? What if I turn against you?"

"I've made precautions. If you do go back, eventually, you'll come running straight back out of loyalty."

"What are you talking about?"

His smile is malicious. "You'll find out, Zahra." There's a moment of silence in which we stare at each other, then he turns and begins to walk away. "We have work to do in the next four days. Hop to it."

Seeing no other choice, I follow him and listen to the list of "chores" he wants accomplished. I wasn't sure what the stuff was going to be used for, but there was no way I could disobey.

The next day, I used all the strength I had digging trenches around his shelter. They were six feet deep and just wide enough that no one could jump over it. To make it so no one could jump in and climb out on the other side, Lucas had me sharpen spikes of wood to thin points and stagger them throughout.

That night, I fell into bed, exhausted and weak from lack of water and small portions of food. I get into bed and cover myself in the thin blanket, then shut my eyes.

I'm not asleep long when I find myself in a familiar forest. I sit down and wait as Aspen walks over and sits in front of me. Neither of us speak for what feels like long minutes, but it was only a few seconds. I was the one who spoke first. "You can't come."

"We are."

I shake my head. "No. Leave me be. It's going to be too dangerous."

"We aren't leaving you there," he whispers. "We'll figure out the loose ends when we arrive."

I look at him. "I was lying yesterday. When you and Roan came, I lied. I wanted to tell you the truth, but..."

"I know."

"He has me, Aspen. I can't stop him. I can't stop me." I put my palms to my temples. "I'm losing my mind!"

"Roan wants to know what's going on," Aspen said, taking my hands in his. "Is there anything I can tell him that is at all useful?"

I think and say, "There are trenches that go around his home. But, do not cut off the hill behind because that is his escape route. The trenches are too deep and too wide, with spikes in case someone tries to jump."

"Okay, so, we'll use the hill," Aspen says to himself. "What about you? Do you know what he plans in four days?"

I bit my lip, not wanting him upset. "Aspen..."

"What's wrong?" he says and leans closer. "Zahra, it's okay. Just tell me."

I shake my head again. "It's not fine!" My hands go to my face and cover my eyes so I can't see him. "There's nothing! It was a trick!"

"Nothing?" he says in disbelief. I nod. "So, then what does he have planned for you?"

"I don't know!" I cry and grab his hands now, my eyes pleading his. "He did something, Aspen! I don't know what! But he did something that is going to make me go back to him!"

"Zahra, calm down." He cups my face. "Whatever it is, I will make sure you don't go back. I promise. Just help us find a way to get you out."

I take in a few deep breaths and clear my mind of panic. Looking around, I let myself find comfort in this place, this place where control is mine and I am free. I pause then, remembering something. "How does this work, again?" I ask Aspen.

"You're pretty much dead or near dead as long as you're here. And as long as there isn't too much jostling, you could stay here for as long as you want."

"Is there a possibility of you summoning me here and someone getting me out?"

"There's still you coming back and Lucas having control," Aspen says.

I slump, having no idea on how to stop control.

Aspen takes my hands again. "There's still time, Zahra. We'll figure it out. He's been talking to June and the others about how to save you."

"Is she alright?"

"She's still coughing smoke, but I think her powers are freezing whatever you did to her."

"I didn't mean it," I breathe, unable to speak loudly in case something else happens.

"Finx heard you. He heard what you said leaving the village. June forgives you. She is feeling better and better by the minute."

"What about the man with white hair?" I ask. "He got hurt somehow."

"Sorrel? We found a dart in his neck. It put him into a deep sleep, but otherwise, he's fine. He woke up this morning looking for you."

"How are you? How are your wounds?"

He smiles. "Almost healed. I'm stronger now. And when I help the others, I'll be stronger still." I return his smile with my own. Then he asks, "How are you? How are you holding up?"

I shake my head. "It doesn't matter how I'm doing. I'm just doing."

"It does matter. You can't give up." He points at me. "You, not the Zahra Lucas controls. You."

"I feel like I'm dying,," I say truthfully.

His eyes droop and I can see my fear reflected in his. "Can you hold on? Can you hold on until we get there?"

"I will hold on as long as Roan is the one who carries me out," I say. "I don't want anyone else touching me. Either Roan carries me out or I may not hold on."

Aspen nods. "I will make sure he knows. I will make sure June sees to it that he picks you up and carries you out."

I smile. "I really want to see him again, Aspen. I miss him!"

"You will." Aspen tenses for a moment then sighs. "I have to go. Someone wants me."

I frown. "Already?"

"I'll come back either tomorrow night or the next. Sometime before we rescue you." He cups my face again and whispers, "You won't be stuck forever, Zahra. We won't let you die inside or out."

"Goodbye," I whisper.

"Goodbye for now," he says and I return to my body.