He's been better. They've been better. He's talked to people. Been human more. People know him now, would look for him if he went missing at the same time she did - right?

She hopes.

Maybe.



Because somehow she's a step closer to the cave than she was just a moment ago. And that thrum beneath her skin is aching with the need to keep moving forward.

Inside that cave is fear and horror and danger and purpose.


She's never asked him to be human.

He'll forgive her this.

The darkness swallows her up in a sigh.