Still here. Still awake. Everly reported, dutifully, as I made my way back to the winged trio. And what a sight they were. As soon as I saw them with my own eyes, I allowed myself to let out the breath I hadn’t even been aware I’d been holding. As soon as my cloven hooves found the soft, rain-soaked earth I made my way over to Vera’s side, making my own appraisals that she’d been unharmed in my absence.
I smiled at her inquiry - equal parts innocent and demanding. “Yes, we go. And we keep you busy so you don’t fall asleep,” I said, gently, to the over-tired girl. Thankfully it seemed that my own task would likely keep the both of us busy for quite some time, and hopefully keeping occupied would be enough to keep the both of us awake until dawn broke. Perhaps I was being overly optimistic. We still had to find the tree I’d seen from the ground, then go about stealing organs from it. But at this point, all I could do was take one step at a time and do my best to keep the screams at bay.
“I know where we need to go. Stay close, I don’t want you to get lost in this place.” It was a lighthearted warning, but a warning nonetheless. Everything about this world was treacherous, and I’d be damned if I lost my baby sister to carelessness.
Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And all the things that you do.
Rainforest Cliffs
