Evolution by Kate Wrath

Author:Kate Wrath [Wrath, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-11-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18: Ruins

We come through some trees and I can see the campfire ahead of us. I have no idea how quickly the Sentries are moving. We had a good lead on them, but they don't tire the way we do, and they’re much faster at full speed. I try to calm my racing thoughts. So long as we reach our friends first and warn them, we'll be OK. We know how to yank crystals now. The Sentries are not as much of a threat as they used to be.

I half-run, half-stagger toward the glow of the fire. Its swirling orange radiance is surreal against the blackening backdrop of the world. The idea of seeing Jonas again—the joy of finding him—competes with the fear in my belly. Quickly following is a surge of doubt. What if it's not our friends at all? But then, who else could it possibly be?

Apollon must share my doubt. As we approach, he grabs me by the arm and stops. We stand a small distance off, silently peering toward the fire.

But we've already made some noise. A tall body next to the fire raises to its feet, its hand going to its belt for a weapon. It looks in our direction, trying to pierce the cover of darkness. Trying to see what and where we are.

"Thank god," Apollon gushes under his breath. The figure silhouetted in firelight jerks a little and zeroes in on us.

"Apollon?" There is both relief and trepidation in Jonas’ voice. He paces toward us. "Eden? Is Eden with you?" he asks into the darkness. I can hear the worry in his voice. Whatever our differences, I want to run to him and hug him.

Beyond him, by the fire, Jacob and Taylor are scrambling to their feet.

"No time to talk," Apollon says, moving to meet Jonas halfway. "Sentries."

"Let's get ready to yank crystals," I pant, trying to catch at least some of my breath. My head is swirling with exertion. I bend over and place my hands on my knees for just a second.

Jonas hesitates, his head turned toward me. I can't see his face in this darkness, and he can't see mine. "No. Someone could get hurt. It'll be better to hide."

"That would be great," Apollon says, also still trying to catch his breath. "But I don't think there's anywhere to hide from a Sentry out here. I, for one, am not going into any more caves."

"C'mon." Jonas strides back to the campfire and picks up his pack. Jacob and Taylor are already shrugging theirs on. Mine is sitting by the fire, just waiting for me. It surprises me that they didn't leave it behind. I grab it up, but I'm not sure I'm going to make it very far, even before I take up the heavy load.

"It's just right here." Jonas grabs me by the elbow and tugs me forward. He must see how I'm stumbling like a drunk under this weight.

"What is?" Apollon asks. Jacob and Taylor are moving off ahead of us, their steps quick but evenly measured.

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