ELIXA

CHAPTER 65

The brisk smell of burning wood and leaves met her nose, following the ember glows that danced with the cold. Instead of ignoring the whiff, Kristen brushed them with the back of her hands before standing to keep the pile of burning logs in place, hoping to kill the white smoke that colored the dark. She was the only one awake, the girls, or what was left of them, were sound asleep. Having traveled for about six days through the unfavorable forest, it made sense how fast they had slept when Vick announced that they would stop here for the night. It was the sixth day since they left the field, six days since they began their wander. And as if adding more salt to the injury, Ygon and Meyla had kept their distance. They had not mentioned it again, none of them had. But they didn't have to. That stabbing glare was all the proof Kristen needed, the girls still blamed her for the death of Ruth and Kennish. Meyla had said so before, Ygon too. Those accusing fingers and daring gaze…

Kristen h