Sixty-two

Doe and I had searched everywhere for Marin, knowing he had to have come close in order for him to find Zahra, but we didn't get a thing. No tracks. No snared hairs on bark or branches. Nothing.

I was infuriated.

"Roan, maybe he hasn't found her yet, maybe he's not coming," Doe tries to assure.

"I'm not convinced," I hiss.

"Well, you're not doing Zahra good by going nonstop. Take a break. Sleep for a few hours. Maybe you'll see clearly then. We all might."

I shake my head. "I need to see if she's alright. I can't let her be taken again."

"Roan-"

I didn't listen to her as I jumped onto a horse and rode away towards the cave. It has been almost a week since Aspen went ahead with my sister. There was no means of contacting him unless I allowed the summoning, so I had to be sure. I had to make sure she was safe still.

I didn't get far though.

I slowed my horse to a stop and squinted into the darkness, seeing someone coming towards me. It was female. I got off the horse and cautiously walked forward, taking a knife out of my belt.

"Roan?"

My grip on my blade loosened, but didn't entirely come off. "Zahra?"

I see her jerk, as if spooked by something touching her. "Roan, help!"

"Zahra, what's going on? Where's Aspen?"

Finally, she steps into moonlight and I see the panic in her eyes as she continues to walk. "Roan, please help me!"

I run forward and grab her shoulders. "Zahra, tell me what's wrong. Where are you going?"

Tears stream down her face. "I tried to block him," she says, still walking, pushing me back. "I tried, but he is too strong!"

"Where are you going?" I ask softly.

"Lucas."

I pick her up and begin to carry her away, back towards the cave. "Talk to me, little sister. Keep talking."

"I'm scared!"

"I know."

"Roan!"

I lift her up and above me, seeing a knife in her hand. I raise a brow, not amused. "Is that necessary?"

"It's not me!" she cries. "I swear!"

Sighing, I pluck the knife from her hand, look her over for any others, then continue.

She begins to kick and hit me. I grunt, but don't let her go, don't stop her. If I were to hurt Zahra, it would not be good for my mind.

One of her feet comes into contact with my groin, and I scowl. Stopping, I set her on her feet and hold her at arms length. Her eyes are not focused anymore. She isn't crying. She's just staring at me. "Marin, killing Lucas isn't going to help you. Hurting Zahra isn't going to help."

Zahra laughs. "I'm not hurting her. I'm helping her."

"You are hurting her. She isn't like you and me. She isn't a fighter!"

"She doesn't have to be a fighter. She just needs to be powerful."

"But what is power when she forgets to use it when in danger?"

"That's why I'm here." Marin shrugs and pushes me away. He uses Zahra's body to walk past me and towards the others. "She has no fear if I am not feeling it."

I stare, stunned, as my sister walks away. I am not sure what to do at first, but then run after her. When I catch up, Zahra is crying again. "Roan!"

"It's okay. You're going to be okay," I say with more confidence than I felt. "You are not going to hurt anyone. I won't let you."

We walk, her crying softly as Marin makes her do what she doesn't want to do, and I trying to comfort her. I know June will be able to hold Zahra off, and Lucas can run away if worst comes to play, but I also know Zahra could fight Marin off. I know she has the ability and strength to do so. She may not know it, but I do.

Ever since I saw her as a newborn baby, I knew she was going to be as strong and beautiful as our mother. For Zahra, it would take the right motivation. Telling her not to kill Lucas wouldn't be it because of how horribly Lucas treated her. But I knew there could be other ways that could give her the Will to fight Marin off. I didn't know what it would be yet, but I know I had to find out.

When we get to the campsite Zargis pauses, looking around. I give a low whistle of warning, knowing Finx would hear it and understand. Then, Cat comes up and glances at me before smiling at Zahra. "Hi Zahra!"

"Cat!" Zahra cries.

"Cat, you need to hurry," I say, meaningfully.

Cat nods. "Zahra, Jed has been crying for you! If you wait here, I'll go get him for you."

Before Zahra can say a word, Cat is gone. I keep close to my sister and try to think fast. I try to think of anything that might work, but I have no ideas.

Then Lucas is barreling towards us in a rage, his eyes wild as he makes his way to Zahra. "No!"