For the Sake of Breathing

Chapter Thirteen

Aven

Emica fell asleep six and a half hours ago. I have been unable to shut my eyes, for my brother could be lurking in the shade of the trees. Fatigue is screaming at me, but I ignore it. My mind is not about to rest after this. I am sick of losing. "Come out and face me, brother," I mutter under my breath, sharpening my dagger. I scan the treeline for the hundredth time. I am seated in the entrance to the tent that Emica is resting in. I should not have stayed, I should have left immediately after Emica was reunited with her family. But considering Ivan had gotten to Silver's family as well, he must have been watching them for a while, waiting for me to emerge. A part of me wonders how long he watched them, and the thought causes me to shudder. 

        I loved my brother once, I even admired him. My brother is not insane, for his actions clearly show long anticipated planning and thought. He is not insane, but he is evil. I glance back at Emica, and ponder over why he left her alive. The answer is obvious: The murder was intentional, calculated, and very carefully timed and placed. Emica was left alive because she is not yet at the end, and because Ivan wants something from her. But what the hell does he want?

        I wrack my brain for answers before determining that I should go for a walk to calm myself down. I rise to my feet, and glance over my shoulder at Emica. She is bundled up on the matt, wrapped in the quilt my mother made for me when I was nine. Strands of her black hair are on her face, and the peaceful expression she wears in her sleep makes me momentarily forget the danger we may both be in. It occurs to me that she is crying in her sleep again. I pick up the moist rag again, nudge her hair aside, and wipe the tearstains off her face. I write a note to her, telling her I'd be back soon and to just stay in the tent until I came back. I also tell that I hope she is okay, and that if she needs anything to just let me know. I tuck it beneath her hand, and gaze at her for a moment.

        Once her face has dried, I set the rag and my pen back down, and head outside. I zip the entrance closed, and wander off, contemplating my brother's actions. He hates me, he wants me dead, but he's not going to kill me until I've reached the end. 

        My thoughts travel to Kaylo. How in the hell am I supposed to reunite their family when my brother is running around here? He may kill her. 

        I sigh, and recall the deja vu I went through when I heard Emica's shrill shriek in the night. 

        My room is dark. 

        I take another step.

        Was that scream real?

        I gaze out at the dry desert, and I pause to wonder what is taking Kaylo so long?

        There is another screech, followed by someone crying and whimpering.

        It only took me two months to travel here. It's been almost three months now. 

        I open my door, a knot forming in my stomach. Was that... Mom?!

        Perhaps I should go after her, to make sure she isn't dead or dying.

        The light in the perpendicular hall is on. I hear my mother pleading with someone. 

        I fill a canteen full of water, grab a Carbon Shifter, and creep into the sandy Lifeless Valley. 

        I am shaking, the hairs on the back of my neck are standing straight up. I round the corner. 

        The hot sun pounds on my flesh, but I don't mind. I survived this journey the first time.