Fight With Me

Chapter 15

Josie's POV

I woke up the next morning to the warm sun spilling onto my face, and Hope snuggled against my chest. I smiled as I absentmindedly played with her hair. "Morning, Jo," she whispered, her voice still heavy with sleep.

"Morning," I replied, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "How's your leg?"

Hope lifted her shirt, revealing her healed skin. "I think my healing process is a bit slower since Lizzie siphoned so much power from me, but it should start speeding up soon," she explained.

"I'm just glad you're okay," I murmured before a sudden knock at the door interrupted us.

"Who knocks on your door on a Saturday morning?" I wondered aloud as Hope sat up in bed.

"I have no idea," she said, glancing at me before getting up to answer the door.

Hope's POV

When I swung open the door, Lizzie stood there, a plate of brownies in her hands. "What do you want?" I questioned, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

"I come bearing gifts," Lizzie announced, striding into the room and placing the plate on the dresser.

"Okay, who invited you in?" I asked, sharing a confused look with Josie.

"I wanted to apologize to you," Lizzie said, her gaze fixed on me. "Can we talk in private?"

"Um... I guess," I replied, glancing back at Josie.

"Are you sure?" Josie whispered, concern flickering in her eyes.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," I assured her. Once Josie left, I turned back to Lizzie. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"I just wanted to apologize. I was so angry and—"

"It's okay, I forgive you," I interrupted, forcing a smile. "I can't stay mad forever."

"Thank you for understanding," Lizzie said, pulling me into a brief hug before stepping out. After she left, I headed to the cafeteria to meet Josie for breakfast.

"How did it go?" Josie asked, her eyes searching mine as I sat down.

"Good," I replied, just as Lizzie joined us.

"Hope, my dad says he needs to talk to you in his office," Lizzie said.

"I'll meet up with you later," I whispered to Josie, standing up to head to Alaric's office.

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked as I entered, finding Alaric sitting at his desk, holding a chalice.

"We found the third Malivore artifact," he muttered, setting the chalice down with a sigh. "And I think the next monster is on its way."

"What do we do? Are we just going to have to fend off monsters again?" I asked, dread pooling in my stomach.

"We'll have to if we want to avoid a monster apocalypse," he said. "I just wanted you to know so you're ready."

After I left his office, I made my way back to my room. As I entered, I saw Josie sitting on the bed, a piece of paper in her hand.

"What's that?" I asked, tilting my head.

"A note from Penelope..." she sighed, setting it down on the nightstand.

"What does it say?" My heart sank at the thought of Josie's ex writing her a note.

"I haven't read it and I don't plan to," Josie muttered, quickly changing the subject. "So what did my dad have to say?"

"He found the third Malivore artifact. He just wanted me to be ready for when a monster comes," I explained.