Chapter One:
I noticed an old woman approaching me silently out of the corner of my eye.
"Jack. We need to talk about Cassius," she said shortly.
I laughed nervously and felt my face get hot.
"Oh, Cass?" I asked.
"Is there something between you two?" She asked. "Because why else would you giggle when your friend is missing.
I started spluttering.
"I-I– What do you mean by that?" I asked.
"Did you not know he was missing, perhaps?" The old woman prodded.
"No, I knew," I said quietly. "I just don't like thinking about it. Bhegad won't let us go after him yet, so there isn't really anything I can do anyway. Even Aly has given up."
I realized I was staring at the ground, but I didn't look up because I felt tears at the corners of my eyes.
The old lady's response surprised me.
"Do you need someone to tell you what you can and can't do?" She asked.
I opened my mouth but no sound came out.
"Do you?" She asked insistently.
"No," I gasped.
"Then go get Aly and find your friend. I'll cover until you're gone."
I just stood there.
"What, did you not hear me?" She asked, annoyed.
"I don't even know your name. How can I trust you?"
She smiled. "Knowing someone's name doesn't mean they can be trusted." And with that she disappeared.
I stood there, my mouth gaping open.
"ALY!" I called as I ran across the field.