Chapter 16: Order of Aether

Vanessa's POV

I hurried and joined Finn in the dark alley heading towards the North tower.

I stopped to take a breath, glancing around if we were all complete.

But we weren't.

Dread clawed up my spine.

"Where's Austin?" I asked with panic.

Finn turned and gazed at me.“ I don't know, but we have to hide."

"No, we have to find him!"

"We don't have time! He probably took a long road. If we don't hide, we will be done for, Austin can take care of himself.”

"He can't!"

That’s why I followed him. To keep him safe.

Had I already failed?

I wanted to turn back and search for Austin but the distant clamor of the magical police boots and orders nearby reminded me that we had to disappear.

I had no choice but to follow Finn.

The air inside the looming north tower was thick with dust.

Dim lights flickered, casting long shadows over piles of abandoned refuse.

"You trust too easily, Vanessa." Finn spoke with a strange amusement.