SPECIES- OLIVER

6. CHANGE OF PLAN

Eva gently took Marina's hands and sighed. "Please, calm down. Nothing is lost yet!"

Marina looked up at her with tearful eyes. "You read too many romance novels!"

"It's true, but you must understand that your plan is unreasonable, if not downright foolish. I can't let you pursue such a suicidal thought. I believe there's a better solution."

"What is it?"

Eva pursed her lips, but nothing came to mind. The situation was dire, the stakes were high, but there had to be a different way.

"What if we change your plan a little? I'd even be willing to help."

"How do you mean?"

"Look, I'm not going to leave you alone; I'd rather die than do that. But we can improve your plan, make it less... well, smarter!"

Marina looked to the side, contemplating what Eva had said. "I won't say you're wrong..."

"Of course I'm right! We just need to change the last part of your plan. Completely!"

"Which part exactly?"

"The part where you sacrifice yourself like a virgin on an altar!"

"I'm not a virgin!" Marina huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. A hint of a smile returned to her face.

"It would be sad if you were, given your age!"

"Hey, I'm only turning 23 this weekend!"

"I forgot about your birthday," Eva put her hand to her head. "So much has happened in such a short time. Sorry!" She looked away in embarrassment, but when she looked back at Marina, her eyes were smiling.

"What?"

"You're a genius?"

"I'm afraid to ask why."

"You're right!" Marina said decisively with a smile.

"I am?"

"Of course you are. You've always been the more level-headed of us two."

"I'm not so sure," Eva looked at her incredulously. "What exactly are you aiming at?"

"I agree with everything you said earlier. I'm too young and too beautiful for suicidal missions," she said cynically.

"But...?" Eva looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"What if we meet Brolan—from a distance," she emphasized, pointing at her. "We can't defeat the enemy if we don't know anything about him. Don't you agree?"

"For now."

"What if we manage to find out..."

"From a distance?"

"...From a safe distance...some weakness that's unique to him."

"He's a demon!"

"Everyone has a weakness, Eva!"

"Really? What's yours, aside from stupidity, recklessness, impatience, arrogance...?"

"Oliver!" she interrupted coldly. "Trust me, I'll do everything to keep that jerk away from him!" she slammed her fist on the table.

What Eva saw in her eyes was pure determination. "I liked you better when you weren't in love; at least you were more rational."

Marina lowered her chin. "I couldn't bear for something to happen to him. I can't explain it. I'm not just in love with him; I love him with all my heart, deeply and hopelessly!"