Page 91 of The Wild Zone

I grinned and sat up taller.

I’d done something right for once. And the others had noticed. Not only that, but they’d waited inside the Wild Zone for me—like real friends would.

“It’s too bad we can’t tell anyone about it,” Harper said.

“Except Chiron.” I squared my shoulders. “And tomorrow, one way or another, I’m going to find a way to talk to him.”

The others studied me, almost like…they were impressed? I do one good thing, and suddenly I’m acting overconfident.

I didn’t know if Argus would be successful in bringing back Chiron, but if he failed, I’d just have to find another way. That centaur and I were going to have words.

“In the meantime,” I continued, “at least we know more about the creature. It’s vicious. It’s fast and strong. It definitely could have kidnapped Silas and Grant.” I looked at Zuri for confirmation and she nodded grimly.

I could tell she was shaken by what we’d seen, maybe even more than the rest of us, but I wasn’t going to push her for information. Whatever past experience she’d had with the monster, if it was the same monster, she would have to tell us in her own time.

There were still so many questions: Was that cave the creature’s lair? If so, why did it only seem to move through the treetops? Why were random items scattered around that clearing? And most importantly, were Grant and Silas still alive?

I looked at Harper. “Is your new bracelet giving you any problems?”

Harper lifted his arm and studied the leather strap. I wasn’t sure when he’d put it back on his wrist, and that fact made me uneasy.

“Nothing so far,” he said. “Do you think…I summoned the monster by picking it up? You know, like it came after you and Grant after you found the ring?”

I didn’t love that idea, but it made sense. “Then why would the monster take Silas?”

Harper shrugged. “Maybe he picked up something too.”

Benny’s expression was troubled. “We went into the woods thinking we’d give back Katie’s ring. Instead, we made a withdrawal. If the monster collects items, we’ve probably made it even angrier.”

Zuri plucked the string of her bow. “I wonder what that bracelet does. Hopefully nothing too dangerous.”

I held out my hand to Harper. “I can take it for you and look into it, if you want. I’m already carrying danger in my pocket anyway.”

Harper cradled his strap-wearing wrist against his heart. “Thanks, but I found it. I’ll figure it out.” His voice sounded tense, so I simply nodded.

“Let us know what you learn,” I said.

Benny got to his feet. “I just hope the harpies are still in a food coma. Come on, let’s get back to camp.”

By the grace of the gods, we managed to slip past the harpies and make it to our cabins unnoticed.

Once I was in bed, sleep eluded me. I rolled to my side and stared at Grant’s bunk, imagining him there. I thought about the sneaker I’d found, and the vision of him wavered.

After everything I’d seen tonight, it was possible he hadn’t made it. Silas either. That monster in the trees could have carried them away and gobbled them whole. I wished I knew if they were at least alive. My instincts told me they were, but my instincts were unreliable.

Then my brain made the inevitable jump to Mom and Olivia. They were “safe for now,” I’d been told, but that was days ago. Were they still okay? I would do anything to bring them home.

But for the time being, all I could do was wait and worry and hope the next day would bring some answers.

20

My Secrets Come Back to Bite Me

At breakfast, I asked for rice tea without a moment’s hesitation.

Hestia had told me to be true to myself, and in that moment, all I wanted was to feel closer to Olivia and Mom. Not because it would make me seem Korean enough, but because it was what I needed.

I guess coming close to death the night before had clarified a few things for me.