Elio trembles, and I reach for his shoulder.

  ?Elio! We have six days. The witch who can help you is three days away from here. Unless the world collapses on our heads, we’ll make it. All right??

  My chest lights up together with his.

  Elio swallows hard and nods, steady.

  Then he looks down as the glow fades.

  ?So… you have a power too.?

  I nod.

  ?Courage…? I pant. ?…that’s why I’m the one in charge… for now.?

  Serena heads toward the barrier.

  I flex my arms and legs.

  Elio croaks, ?Thank you.?

  I plant my hands on the ground and push myself upright.

  I look at him and shake my head.

  ?No. I’m the one who should apologize.?

  Elio stares at me, mouth open.

  Then he tries to stand.

  ?Sander is afraid of strangers.?

  The boy hid the moment he saw me. Elio knows him better.

  ?All right.?

  Elio offers his uninjured arm. I pull it over my shoulder and help him up.

  We drag ourselves across the ground.

  We stop in front of the barrier.

  ?Sander! It’s Elio! We came to help you. It’s over now.?

  There he is again.

  Huge eyes appear at the window.

  Serena smiles and waves.

  Sander stares at her, looks at Elio—then vanishes.

  I sigh. We can’t wait forever.

  The broken door of the hut creaks.

  A boy steps into the doorway, barely reaching my stomach.

  A blue tunic tied at the waist. Bare feet.

  His whole body trembles as he looks around.

  ?Elio?! Who are they? What do they want from me??

  ?They’re good people.?

  Elio rests a hand on the barrier.

  ?They want to take you to the city. You’ll be safe there.?

  Serena kneels down.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Sander rubs his shaking hands.

  ?I… I can’t.? His voice is thin.

  ?What if I get attacked? What if I mess up and they lock me in a cell? I don’t like the dark. I want to stay here!?

  I tap Elio’s back. He looks at me.

  ?Let’s kneel too.?

  Sander steps back, watching me.

  Why is he so terrified?

  ?Sander.?

  He flinches and looks at me.

  ?I’m sorry if I scared you. But if you stay here, you’ll be attacked again and again. Beyond the walls, you’ll be safe. I can promise you that.?

  He doesn’t move.

  ?Your friend Elio brought us here. He was hurt. We need to take him to be treated. Now.?

  Sander looks at Elio, then at his house.

  I take a breath.

  ?Elena created us to take care of people like you. And with a war going on, staying outside the walls isn’t wise. When the war is over, you can come back here—if you still want to.?

  I could use my magic on him.

  But he’s too afraid. And I don’t want him dependent on me.

  Sander takes a couple of steps toward Elio.

  ?I… I’m fine. I… I can defend myself. Please don’t force me.?

  Elio exhales heavily, brows knitting together.

  ?Sander… they’re trying to bring Elena back. Didn’t you want her to return too??

  The boy shrugs, eyes wide.

  I stare at Elio.

  ?You never told me he wanted to save Elena too.?

  Elio rolls his eyes.

  I turn back to the boy.

  ?I want Elena back too. And I’ll do everything I can to find her. You could help us—just by raising a barrier around the capital. You’d be safe. You wouldn’t be alone. And no one would force you to do anything. I promise.?

  The boy looks at his hands again, breathing fast.

  More sparks.

  I pull my hand away from the barrier and drag Elio back.

  My heart jolts and catches in my throat.

  But the barrier calms.

  I breathe.

  Gaia sits down in front of Sander, hands on her knees.

  ?Kid, plenty of people would envy a power like yours. I don’t buy that you’re afraid.?

  He looks at her and shakes his head.

  ?I… I’m sorry. I don’t want to hurt you.?

  His eyes are wet.

  He moves closer to Serena.

  ?I… I can’t control it. When I’m scared, it comes out on its own and… and I can’t stop it. Only Elena could calm me down.?

  A tear slips free.

  So Elena spent time with him.

  Without telling anyone.

  My chest warms.

  His shield knocked me flat—but he’s been alone all this time, with a power he can’t control.

  Of course he’s scared. Of course he feels alone.

  Serena shakes her head.

  ?It’s okay. You just need someone to teach you. If you want, I can help you relax. That’s my power.?

  Sander looks down, fists clenched, then looks at Elio.

  ?Nothing bad will happen to me, right??

  Elio nods.

  Sander stays silent, then steps toward Serena.

  Light spreads from her chest.

  Her hands glow.

  Sander’s soul seems to brighten.

  The barrier turns transparent, like water.

  His shoulders drop. He closes his eyes.

  Elio looks up, calm.

  The barrier dissolves.

  Serena lowers her hands and smiles.

  ?Good job.?

  She holds out her hand.

  ?Do you want to come with me??

  Sander nods.

  ?I want… I want to stay close to Elio.?

  Serena steps closer.

  ?Then come with us to Alba. She might be able to help you with your magic too. All right??

  Sander nods and takes Serena’s hand, trembling.

  I’m still a little short of breath.

  Are we doing the right thing?

  Maybe Elena had her reasons for leaving him out beyond the boundaries.

  He could be dangerous.

  Let’s hope for the best.