SILVER EYES (GXG)

Chapter 54: Wings Of Fire

After crossing what was known as the White Valley, the Cracked Hillside, and the Farum Desert, the map indicated we were close. Weirdly, the trip had been super calm, too calm, if you asked Stella. I felt it too. I mean, how did we explain that as soon as we crossed the border, a car chased us like they knew exactly where we'd be? And now? Suddenly, it was like no one was even looking for us. Odd.

Beverly insisted we were paranoid and had to enjoy the adventure, as she called the mission. She was always the positive one. So much so that, she almost gobbled up a handful of toxic purple berries when we passed through the White Valley. Thankfully, I saw her just in time and slapped them out of her hand.

Heather, on the other hand, was very quiet. She seemed to be in her regular work mode, but I noticed her eyes lingering on every new place we arrived, filled with this adorable curiosity. She was secretly thrilled to be discovering new corners of the world, even though she'd never admit it.

The facts spoke for themselves, though. Take the time we climbed the Cracked Hillside, for example. Heather slipped and was left hanging by one hand, with a five-meter drop below her feet. Fortunately, I was nearby and grabbed her just in time. The distraction that caused her fall was none other than a hawk that flew over us, nearly brushing our heads. Heather was mesmerized by it.

I still remember when she told me why she chose to work at the border back then: "To see what lay ahead," she had said. Now, that moment for her had finally arrived.

I wished I could show her all of this under different circumstances; without fear, without hurry. Even though The Other Side was dying, it still had so much beauty to offer, especially to those who lived surrounded by walls. Because how long would this beauty last?

"Hey team, once we leave behind the Farum Desert we'll be in Phoenix territory." Stella informed.

Heather analyzed the map. "Yeah, according to this we are very close. Keep your eyes open. We should see that powerful source of energy soon." She said.

Beverly chimed in "Oh, I'm so ready for this!"

When we started to step on the brown grass, leaving the Desert behind, we soon glimpsed something in the distance.

"It's there!" Heather said.

The more we approached that place where, according to Brooke's coordinates, there was supposed to be that super-powerful energy, the more I doubted its existence. A wooden cabin, old and decrepit, stood tall at the exact point on the map. Surrounded by five tall trees. Was that what we had come to destroy? A lumberjack's cabin? The four of us stood there, frozen in place, observing.

"Don't know about you folks, but I expected at least a two-star high-tech facility, not this." Beverly said.

"Something feels off." Heather said.

Stella sighed annoyed and walked toward the door. "Well, let's see what's inside."

"Wait." I said. Stella turned to me.

"I don't like this." I said.

"We have to check it out." Stella insisted and leaned her hand on the doorknob.

"Hold on!" Heather yelled.

Stella turned once more. "What now?!"

"Look there!" Heather pointed to the roof of the cabin. A barely noticeable antenna protruded from the center.

"Okay, enough mystery," Stella said and immediately kicked the door, which broke and opened.

We all popped our heads up from the doorframe. Inside, the cabin was empty.