The harsh cold air of midnight hit Adalina's face like bricks. She concentrated on the figures in front of her, trying to not look down. There she was hundreds of feet in the air, being held by a gryphon at her shoulders. The strong claws gently held her tightly, silently assuring her she was in good hands. Adalina was ready for this, she knew that much, but still she had never done anything like this and as competent as she knew she was it was still nerve-racking. Directly in front of her was Caspian, which was a comforting sight, even if they weren't on the best of term at the moment.

One of the most frightening elements of this mission was the fact that she was returning to the Telmarine Castle. She had some of the best memories within those very walls, as well as the worst. Still, Miraz was there, and that alone struck fear into Adalina's heart, she never knew how she was able to live so close to him for so long.

Seeing Caspian swing his sword at the guard beneath them she knew it was time. The gryphons released her and Caspian, Susan and Peter on one of the walls of the castle. Adalina drew her sword and dagger preparing to take out anyone who got in her way.

On their way to the professor's window they encountered few guards, which Caspian or Peter took out promptly and silently. If they spotted one from a distance Susan got them with her arrows, but Adalina had yet to use either of her weapons yet. She didn't know if she was anxious or nervous at this point, but she wished a guard would pop out at her so she could tell. Just as the thought crossed her mind, the wish was granted. A guard turned the corner coming up behind Adalina, who was trailing behind, Caspian and Peter leading. Luckily, Adalina reacted fast, faster than Susan that is (she saw her pull an arrow out from the corner of her eye). She twisted her body around no delay in between when her face hit his to when her sword contacted with his abdomen, sliding the blade upward through the armor protecting his belly.

She turned back just as fast, continuing ahead. The others hesitated a moment before moving on as well. Before Caspian turned he gave Adalina a quick nod. She wasn't sure what it meant, but she was glad he did it.

Caspian dropped down the rope first, knocking at the professor's window before entering. The others all followed, Adalina dropping down last, Peter there waiting to give her a helping hand in. As Adalina entered the familiar room she noticed the strange disarray. Obviously so had Caspian, he slowly picked up a pair of spectacles from atop one of the many books, eyeing it peculiarly.

"I have to find him." It was a demand; he was not looking for approval.

"You don't have time; you need to get the gate open." Peter tried to rationalize, but Adalina knew it would get him nowhere, Caspian was not going to take no for an answer.

"You wouldn't even be here without him, and neither would I."

Susan always able to handle Peter, stepped in "You and I can deal with Miraz."

"And I can still get to the gate in time." was his last comment before he disappeared down the dark halls.

"So where am I going, should I go to the gate house?" Adalina was supposed to accompany Caspian, but he had run off already, without her in his spontaneous change of plans.

"No, you shouldn't go alone, it's too dangerous. Come with us." Peter decided, rushing out of the room, in a hurry to pull this off.

Peter took the lead, typical him, even though Adalina was obviously better suited to be leader at this particular moment. She saw him pause hesitantly at a corner before deciding on which way to go. Before he could move too far Adalina called after him.

"Peter! It's this way." She had to relish in the chance to catch Peter being wrong, she was sure it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. As he sauntered backward, looking a little embarrassed Adalina just had to add, "Don't you think I should take it from here?"

They finally came to Miraz's room. A very low muttering could be heard outside the door. Adalina, a little shy to lead at this point let Peter and Susan barge in first. They were quick to respond the situation. Caspian was already there; his sword at Miraz's throat, and Pruniprismia with a crossbow aimed at Caspian. Susan instantly had an arrow aimed at Pruniprismia and Peter's sword was drawn. Adalina stayed back, behind the two siblings as they approached the center of the room, stopping just at the end of the bed. Adalina heard Miraz's voice break the tense air, but Adalina didn't want to know what he was saying, she wasn't being oblivious this time, she was blocking it out.

Caspian's cry jolted her back into what was happening and she was once again focused on the sounds.

"No! For once I want the truth…Did you kill my father?!" It was a dark ominous growl, but Adalina heard it loud and clear. It struck fear into eyes, which she could feel burn down her throat and spread into her heart and lungs, consuming her body, her fingertips shook with it. Just as fast as her focus had come back it was gone again. All she could hear was venom shooting from Miraz's poisonous fangs; she could hear the evil drip from his fuzzy words. He was all she could see in the room, things were happening around her, but she couldn't see it, her mind was clouded with rage, pure anger and hatred for Miraz.

As if in slow motion Adalina saw Miraz turn, heading for the side door. She couldn't let him escape; he had to pay for what he did! Adalina's mind snapped and like a bolt of lightning she reached for her dagger, pulling it from its home on her belt and hurling it across the room. It flew through the crowd at its intended target. It was a spontaneous reaction, not aimed very precisely. Miraz moved fast, but the dagger still caught him, the blade contacting with him just enough to break the skin and draw blood from his right bicep. The dagger struck the fame of the door with a small piece of cloth under its point as Miraz escaped through the door with a thundering cry.

Unknowingly Adalina had caught the attention of the Pevensies and Caspian, not expecting such an action from her. But Adalina was still seeing red and she could care less about their reaction. She turned her attention to the sobbing form of Pruniprismia.

"I hope you know what a monster you married!" she shouted as the four of them ran from the room needing to get out of there. The deafening sound of the alarm echoed in the halls as they raced down them.

Peter ran to the gate at Susan's protest, still determined to make this work. With Peter's plea they helped him open the gate.

Before Adalina knew it the Narnian soldiers were rushing through the opening and into the courtyard of the castle. Simultaneously with the others she turned from the gate and ran full speed into the battle. Adalina felt the surge of adrenaline flood her body. Her eyes narrowed, hunting the Telmarine soldiers, as soon as she came in contact with them she expertly waved her duel blades sending the soldiers falling to the ground in cries of pain.

Sweat began to collect on her face, her arms were weighed down heavily from the sword, and she was sure she had a few bruises and scrapes, something that would hurt in the morning, but right now she couldn't feel her own body. And suddenly just as fast as it had begun, she could hear Peter calling to retreat. Taking a look around for the first time Adalina noticed the Minotaur holding up the gate. Arrows flew beside her, piercing his hide, he was losing strength quickly. It wasn't looking like it was turning out in their favor, Narnians were running back, trying to escape, Peter attempting to hurry all of the troops out of there.

As Adalina was about to start running back as well, a large shadow came up behind her. She barely had time to look at what it was before her arm had been seized and she was pulled up onto Destrier with Caspian. She clung to his sides as he rode off. She could see the professor behind her and another horse, whose identity surprised her. Caspian had taken her horse, she was afraid it hadn't made it back to the castle when she let it go to join the Pevensies. He had never been that far away from the castle before. As they passed through the barely open gate Peter leaped on its back.

They had just made it out when the Minotaur fell, trapping the left over soldiers inside. Peter hesitated, his face so full of sadness and pain, Adalina could tell he felt like he had failed, probably a feeling he didn't get very often. Adalina felt a tinge of pain herself at the sight of the stranded soldiers.

It was a long journey back to the How. What was left of the Narnians traveled in silence. The extreme tension between Caspian and Peter could be felt a mile away. They did not exchange any looks or words to each other or anyone else. As dawn approached the group got closer and closer to the How. Adalina gave a relived sigh as she saw the large stone wall of the How peek from between the thick branches of the trees. She couldn't stand to endure this painful quiet despair of the soldiers behind her. It broke her heart knowing that so many had to lose their life that night. Her heart wept more so when she saw the hopeful faces of the women and children gathered at the entrance of the How.

They were now passing through the stony area in the middle of the grassy field that lies just ahead of the How. Suddenly Lucky sprang from the entrance of the How, the light in her face dying as she saw the looks on the worn soldiers face, their shoulders slumped, heads hanging, eyes dull. Her furrowed face immediately looked toward Peter.

"What happened?" she cried. Her voice frail and full of sadness.

"Ask him." Peter spit.

"Peter." Susan warned, subtly asking him not to start.

"Me? You could have called it off there was still time."

"No there wasn't thanks to you. If you had kept to the plan, those soldiers may still be alive."

"And if you had stayed here like I suggested, they definitely would be!" Peter was hitting Caspian's nerves; Adalina knew he would not hold his composure for long.

"You called us remember?"

"My first mistake." Caspian growled. His voice was dangerously low.

"No, your fist mistake was thinking you could lead these people." Peter just kept pushing him. Adalina wasn't sure if Caspian would be able to control himself or not. He is gentle, this is true, but he is a Telmarine and Telmarines have violent tempers all the same.

"I am not the one who abandoned Narnia!"

"You invaded Narnia! You have no more right to be here than Miraz. You, him, your father, Narnia is better off without the lot of you!"

At that Caspian couldn't help but draw his sword. With a deafening cry the tip hung steadily pointed at Peter whose sword was now drawn as well. That was it though, Adalina couldn't believe he had even mentioned Caspian's father. Anger fumed inside Adalina, Peter had no right to bring that up, especially after what had happened tonight.

Lucy broke the silence, allowing Peter and Caspian to drop their swords. Caspian immediately turned around and stormed off. Adalina was grateful for that, she knew if he had stayed Peter may have pulled the last straw and his sword may not have hung so steady in that case. Lucy ran to help Trumpkin; most of the attention was on his recovery now. Adalina took this opportunity to approach Peter.

Not yet calmed, the first thing she could think to do when she approached Peter was to slap him, so she did. Peter jumped in surprise.

"What was that for?" his question showed not only his curiosity, but his astonishment.

"For being such an ass!" Adalina continued when Peter showed that he did not follow. "You can't blame Caspian for what happened back there, too many decisions were made that affected the outcome to pin it on just one person, and we all share the blame of it. Now, I can understand why you would want to take out your frustrations on someone else, but you bringing Caspian's father into it was too far! You were there, you right there! You heard what Miraz said tonight, you were in that room! How could you even mention his father after that?!" Adalina didn't wait for a response. She just turned and headed back into the How, her first instinct told her to find Caspian, but she ignored it. She was trying to come to terms with Caspian and her relationship and she knew that if she were to offer him any comfort she might end up regretting it.

She wondered through some of the less traveled tunnels, not really knowing what to do or where to go. It was sad, she thought, even when she was sad, mourning for someone that was close to her, all she could think about was how Caspian must feel. She saw the hurt in his eyes and she knew he didn't know how to let it out on his own.

Adalina's thoughts were interrupted by light footsteps approaching her. She turned to see Susan coming down the tunnel.

"You are quite difficult to find, did you know that?" Susan's voice was soft and playful, as usual.

"Well, that is kind of what I was going for." Adalina's tone was neutral, she didn't really know how that was supposed to come out: playful or rude?

"Sorry, I didn't realize you wanted to be alone." Susan hesitantly turned to leave.

"Wait." Susan faced her again, curiosity pouring from her eyes. "I…I don't think I do." Adalina had only thought about how to comfort Caspian; she had no idea how to comfort herself.

"Adalina," Susan tucked her skirt behind her and sat down against the wall, offering Adalina a spot next to her, "are you ok? Not just about last night, but in general? You have seemed a little out of sorts the past couple days."

Adalina took a deep breath. Maybe it was time to tell Susan about Caspian, isn't that what girls do anyway? Talk about boys? It would probably make her feel better to get some of this of her chest, she thought. "Well, I didn't really know how to approach you to talk to you about this before, or really sure if I should, but, no, I haven't really felt ok lately." Adalina rolled her head to look at Susan. "Caspian decided that we should stop sleeping together. I know, we aren't involved romantically, it is just a benefit to our friendship…but not being with him has been agonizing the past couple days. I don't even know what is appropriate to do with him anymore; it feels like everything I want to do with him will end with us sleeping together. Susan, I … I don't think we can have a friendship anymore. And I hate to think that is what it has become, but it is true, it's not the same as it once was.

"And what scares me even more is that I think I like it better this way. I don't want to be 'just friends' with Caspian. I am too drawn to him, it is like my soul is connected to his and there is no way to sever the connection." Adalina looked away, staring at the wall opposite them.

"Adalina, don't be ashamed that you feel this way. I only wish that I have ever felt like that for someone else, and to have them feel it back." The last past hinted at something, it was left hanging in the air for a few seconds before Adalina questioned it, "what are you saying?"

"I have seen how he looks at you. It makes more sense now I guess…he looks at you with such longing, like you are something untouchable, something that he can't have, but wants more than anything. I know you feel like the feelings are one sided, but I couldn't disagree more."

Adalina didn't know what to think about that. She had always wanted some kind of sign from Caspian that she meant something more to him, but she never saw it. He had always been paranoid about their relationship being discovered; he wouldn't even let her fall asleep in his bed.

"Do you know what made him want to stop it?" Susan just looked at her with interest, not responding to the obviously rhetorical question. "Too many people knew about us. He didn't want anyone else finding out about us that is what made him want to stop being with me….He doesn't even have anything to lose! He is a prince, he can do whatever he wants, I, on the other hand, could lose everything if the wrong people found out." Adalina wished she had a filter over her mouth; she hated just spilling her guts like this.

"Maybe he is trying to protect you." Susan suggested.

"No, no" Adalina said, shaking her head in disagreement "I can't think that. Thinking that: that he wants to protect me and he cares about me, it just makes this harder." Adalina stood, brushing off her skirt. "I think we should go see the others, we may have missed something important.

Susan and Adalina entered one of the tunnels to be met with cries of pain. The two girls looked at each other and then began to run, pursuing the sounds. As they got to the source of the sounds, they realized they were in the Stone Table room. They looked around to see the bodies of two beasts lying dead, Trumpkin comforting an upset Lucy, Caspian was lying on the ground holding his wounded hand, and Peter stood mesmerized by the piercing eyes of a ghostly figure, preserved in a vast block of ice. The icy being struck fear into their hearts. They both moved to do something, what they didn't really know, but their actions were halted by the thundering sound of cracking ice. A sword pierced the thick layer of ice, striking the White Witch through the stomach, shattering the ice only moments later.

"I know, you had it sorted." Edmund commented, trudging off.

Caspian got up on his feet, he looked defeated, his brow was covered in sweat, face smeared with dust, blood dripping down his hand and arm. He and Peter finally noticed Susan and Adalina's presence. They looked at them with shame only to receive a look of disappointment in return.