The Grim (Ravens #3)

xvi. the new forgotten city

 Just as the five young diplomats had arrived in Monarchia, their counterparts—a scrappy team of teens playing scientists—had entered the woods as well. While the former group had gone in a southwestern direction, the others went east, down the very same path they had come from so long ago. They were going back to Peregrin, back to the poisoned lake that drove them away.

"The City should be close," said Nathan after the group had been walking for a fair amount of time. Having once been a scout for the City of the Forgotten, after a day of travelling he soon began to recognize the circle of boulders, the two little streams that ran in opposite directions. "We should stop there for the night. I don't think anyone's claimed it since we left."

Ash frowned, "You have absolutely no way to know that. It's huge, and it's secure. Why the hell would it be empty for six months?"

"Because people know it's been abandoned, and they don't know why. Chances are they assume there's an issue there," Nathan said, sending the other boy a hard glare. Although he'd been with these people now for months, Ash still managed a contentious relationship with just about everyone. Only Natalia, really, had grown to truly respect him and his opinions. An odd match for sure, but one that resulted in a surprising teamwork and solidarity.

However this time, Natalia was not taking Ash's side. "Nathan's right," she said, "The City is our best bet since it's close, and we know where it is. If there's an issue, we can leave, but we should try there before just sleeping on the forest floor." The others nodded, for they had accepted Natalia's self-imposed title as their leader. She wasn't one you could argue with. There was always a definite confidence in her voice, implying that what she said was correct, and that if you were to protest, you would only end up embarrassed and disappointed.

Natalia gave Nathan and beckoned for him to lead the way, as this was his terrain, his expertise. She and Ash followed behind, Yasmin and Tyler capping them at the end. As they came in a closer proximity to the City of the Forgotten, a pit fell in Natalia's stomach. It had been over a year and half since she had last been to the abandoned town, nineteen months since the aftermath of a coup that spinned their already weak structure on its head. She had left alongside Donny Mayler and Marley Dennis, and their old friend Jacob Hart as well. They had ran away to Peregrin, which at that time was a place only of legends. Now, she and Donny were the only ones left of what they'd once called the Riot. Marley had stayed behind in the City when the others were brought to the Fortress, and Jacob, why he was the lucky one; he found the remaining members of his family living in Detroit.

The sun had long gone down by the time the five arrived at the City's outer border. The woods were always quiet at night, eerily so. This time, however, they couldn't help but notice the sounds. Far away, there were hollers, the whooping sounds of other wild kids. It filled their hearts with dread; they were not alone.

"We should go," Ash whispered, "There are people here. It's inhabited. Let's leave."

"No," said Natalia, "We'll talk to them. The City always had space, and it's just for a night, right? This is our best option." Again, the group agreed with solemn nods, and followed at a steady pace. As they entered the first streets that bordered the forest, Natalia was met with a strange sort of nostalgia. She hated the City, always had. It was a world where the exiled tried to forget their situation, where they played pretend like they were adults, like this was the only life they'd ever known. Going to Peregrin was one of the greatest reliefs she'd ever known. Every moment was a struggle, yet there they never ran from the truth.

Still, to feel the paved blacktop streets underneath her feet left her warm rather than unsettled. It was in these alleyways she'd gotten high with Marley, in these roads that she'd stripped on a dare. And it was in these same spots that they had ran away, slipped into the woods with their bones buzzing with excitement and fear.