142

“Come on. Let’s stick with Colton and we’ll help. More eyes.” I brush Carmen’s hair back and release her from my hold, instead taking her hand and pull her with me out into the clearing. She lets me guide her like a vulnerable child needing guidance, and for a moment I wonder if this is the same girl from earlier, the same Carmen who doesn’t show weakness. I shove it out of my head, focus on being her rock and speed to catch up with Colton.

As I have no shoes on I have to turn my feet to wolf to save myself from injury and ignore the fact I’m out here in a silk dress and a short towel robe, while everyone else is fully dressed. It doesn’t really matter I guess, given any hint of danger I’ll shred these with a turn so it’s probably a blessing I didn’t get dressed. We lose too many clothes that way.