Alec’s

I feel like a weight has been placed on my shoulders. Like there's this massive boulder crushing down on me.

They make killing Kaden seem so easy-like it's a walk in the park. But what if it's not? I mean, the deities tried to kill him and failed. What makes them think I can?

Forget the prophecy. Forget what it says. This feels like a mission impossible. Like we're already doomed to fail.

"Sadie," his voice calls, drawing me back to the present. "Are you okay?"

I blink and glance around the room, realizing that everyone except Raven and Alec is gone. I'd been so lost in thought I hadn't even noticed them leaving.

I focus on Alec, all the while trying to push down the rising tide of anxiety. What do

I say? That I'm not okay? That I'm scared out of my mind? That I don't believe this plan will work? That I don't feel ready or powerful enough to go up against Kaden?

Honestly speaking, Xena scares the hell out of me, but Kaden? He's something else. There is just something about him. Something I can't put into words. The fear I have of him seems to be etched in my soul.

"Sadie?" Raven's voice this time.

I look at both of them, trying to summon a reassuring smile. All I manage is a slight twitch of my lips.

"I'm okay," I lie softly. "Just thinking."

Weirdly enough, Raven and Alec glance at each other, as if silently

communicating. It's unexpected. I wouldn't have imagined that kind of unspoken understanding between them.

"Are you sure?" Alec presses, eyes locking with mine.

"Yes."

"Is this about Kaden?" Raven asks gently. "Don't worry about it. It's only a matter of time until I trace the source of the spell and find his exact location. You know me—I wouldn't bring this to you unless I was sure it would work."

I do know that. I know she wouldn't present a plan unless she had thoroughly thought it through. But still... there's this gnawing feeling. That feeling that cautions you. That leaves alarms bells ringing in your head... A familiar sense of foreboding I can't shake. Like a warning in my bones.

I sigh, trying to ignore it. "I know, Raven. Maybe I just need some time to process everything."

She takes my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "Okay. Just remember- we're in this together."

That makes me smile for real this time. She's right. We've been in this together for three years, and we'll keep going no matter what comes or happens.

"Okay, come on." I stand up when I see her yawn for the hundredth time. "I need to get you to bed before you collapse right here."

She chuckles, the sound laced with exhaustion and relief.

I help her up and give Alec one last look before leaving the room.

I guide her to her bedroom in silence. The only sounds between us are her soft sighs and occasional yawns. She's so worn out, even her movements are slow and heavy.

When we reach her door, I push it open and usher her in, heading straight for her bed.

"I'm so beat," she mutters, eyes already half-closed. "I think I might need a month of sleep."

I chuckle while helping her kick off her shoes, then ease her down into the bed and cover her with a blanket.

"Get some sleep, Rave," I whisper, even though her eyes are already closed.

Just as I turn to leave, her hand catches mine. I frown, worried that something might be wrong, and I turn and look back at her.

"Don't worry too much," she says again, her voice softer now. "I have a feeling this is going to work."

I gently loosen her grip and hold her hand in both of mine. "I know, Raven. I trust you."

She nods and closes her eyes, finally letting go as her breathing evens out. Once I'm sure she's asleep, I leave her room and quietly close the door behind me― then I slump against it.

I exhale slowly. I feel awful as guilt begins creeping up my throat like a vine. I just lied to my best friend.

It's not that I don't trust her. I trust her with my life. I just don't trust this plan. I don't trust that it'll work.

My faith is nonexistent right now, and I'm fully owning that.

I wish I could tell them what I'm feeling, but can't. Everyone's hope is riding so high. I can't shatter that Not unless I have hard proof that this will all go horribly wrong. All i can do now is pray like hell that it doesn't. sŵnovel

Taking a shaky breath, I shove the unease down. Again.

A small humorless chuckle leaves my lips because it seems that's all I've been doing lately. Pushing down my feelings. Some would say it's unhealthy, but it's the only way I know to deal with them.

Once I feel more composed, I move to leave, but just as I turn the corner, I almost run into Piper.

Just like earlier, she's fumbling with her fingers, looking unsure and out of place.

I don't say a word. I just watch her.

"Is Raven asleep?" she finally breaks the silence.

I nod slowly.

The silence between us grows heavy again. It's obvious she wants to say

something, but she's struggling to find the words.

"You don't seem okay," she says gently. "Are you?"noveldrama

My head tilts to the side. I study her, surprised that I can't find the desire to lash out at her.

Don't get me wrong. I don't think I've forgiven her, but the burning anger I once carried is nonexistent.

I try to find it. That bitterness I clung to for three years. But it's just not there. And I don't know how to feel about that.

"I'm fine, Piper," I say at last, the words coming out before I can stop them. Her head snaps up, eyes wide in disbelief. It's like she didn't really expect me to talk to her and honestly, I'm shocked too because I wasn't planning to answer her. "That's good,” she says with a small, relieved smile. “I'm glad you're okay."

Another beat of silence. The awkwardness between us is undeniable. There was a time when we never ran out of things to talk about. Now, we can't find words and stand here like strangers.

She takes a deep breath, her chest rising with effort.

"I wanted to say thank you,” she says. "For what you did during the full moon. You didn't have to help me. You could have let me suffer... but you didn't. And I just wanted to say thank you."

I shift on my feet, unsure how to respond. How the hell am I supposed to respond

to that? What am I supposed to say? Telling her, 'You're welcome' seems

inadequate.

"You don't have to say anything," she adds quickly, noticing my struggle. "I just

wanted you to know how grateful I am. Thank you, Sadie."

Before I can even process her words, she steps forward and gives me a brief hug.

And just like that, before I can react, she's gone.