Chapter 45

Gunner's eyes opened to the dancing flames on the roofs of the houses. They lit up the night sky and reminded him of the pain when the witch flung fire at him. An agony that now proved to only be a cringe-worthy memory. He sat up and saw his hands pink with new skin rather than charred. His face. . .he slapped his cheeks and found them intact. He'd been healed. Only one person was capable of that.

Sofia! He stood and whirled, seeking her, but the bright flames blinded him to the shadows, and the smoke stung his eyes.

"Sofia!"

Instead of a reply, a furry shape padded from between two buildings. Kitty shoved her giant head against his hand.

"Hey, big girl. Have you seen our Sofia?"

Kitty remained by his side, which surely indicated Sofia didn't need their help. She probably bided her time. She had more courage than most, even if she didn't recognize it.