Valtor lifted his head as he finally spoke up.
"No one's coming."
Silence hung in the air for a moment before Lynx reacted. "What?"
"What's going on?" Kymani moved closer, confusion evident in his green eyes. "Is the escape no longer happening?"
"It is," Valtor replied. "But not tonight."
"So what are we doing out here then?" Rowynn joined in from behind.
Valtor sighed. "I made up a fake escape plan." He paused, glancing briefly at Lynx who glared from a distance. "I did it to see your next move. I know it sounds wrong, but I... I needed to know whose side you're on," he finally confessed.
Lynx nodded slowly, eyes shutting briefly. "You think I'm working with the Council," he said calmly — Valtor's silence confirming his thoughts.
"After going along with your 'plan,' even without proof, you still decided to lie to us?" Lynx's voice cracked with anger. "All to satisfy your distrust?"
Valtor remained silent, eyes fixed on him.
"I can't believe this," Lynx muttered before turning and walking back into the woods.
Following Lynx's reaction, Rowynn crossed her arms and glanced angrily at Valtor. "This is so not fair. None of this is." Her gaze swept across each face before she too walked off.
Valtor turned away, rubbing the back of his neck in frustration while Kymani's eyes followed him.
"Seriously, Captain? Lying about the escape?" Kymani shook his head. "Sounds like something Zara would do."
Zara opened her mouth to speak, but Valtor shot her a firm glance, stopping her.
"This isn't cool, guys," Kymani continued, looking between them. "The last thing we need right now is a fight." With that, he turned and walked away toward their base.
Once he disappeared from sight, Zara and Orea stepped closer to Valtor.
"Why'd you take the blame?" Zara spoke first. "It was my idea."
"Our idea," Valtor corrected. "And I don't regret it one bit." His tone was steady, surprising both girls. "Our escape can't be sabotaged — it has to go smoothly. And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure of that." He paused, exhaling. "I'll find a way to apologize to Lynx and the others."
"No," Orea said firmly. "You've done enough already. Zara and I will talk to them." She glanced at her friend, who nodded in agreement.
Tonight's mission resolved, the trio walked back to base, leaving the soot of the burnt flare scattered over the grass.
................
Later that morning, while most the crew prepared for the day's battle, they realized Lynx and Rowynn hadn't risen. Deciding to check, Kymani stepped into their tent while the others waited outside.
"They're not coming," he announced a moment later, surprising the group.
"Did you really have to lie, though?" Kymani faced Valtor. "If you didn't trust Lynx, why not confront him instead?"
"Because it's not that efficient," Zara replied. "The best way to find out the truth is to expose him to the plan and watch what he does — but we couldn't risk ruining the real thing."
"I see. You were all in on this, too." Kymani's eyes darted between the girls.
"Well, we better be ready to burn twice the energy - we're on our own for now," he said, and left.
Zara glanced at Valtor. He remained silent, gaze fixed on the ground. She slipped an arm around his shoulder to draw him out. "We'll talk to them when we get back," she said, lingering for a while before following Kymani.
Orea fell in step behind Zara, then stopped when she noticed Valtor still rooted in place, head bowed.
"You're doing your best," she said softly.
"I know." He lifted his head; the tiredness in his bright eyes had replaced their usual glow. "I just wish we weren't in this situation. I wish things were different."
Orea rushed forward and pulled him into a hug. He melted into it, chin resting on her shoulder, eyes closing for a breath while her arms circled his neck.
"I wish things were different too," she murmured. "But none of this is your fault. We're all doing what we can to survive." She pulled back slightly, but they stayed face to face. "Not everyone understands the pressure you carry — but Zara and I do. We're here. From now on, no more taking responsibility alone. Whatever happens, we all share the blame. Got it?"
Valtor smirked and nodded. "Got it."
"Now come on," she smiled as she tightened her back pack. "We've got aliens to kill"
Valtor straightened up, smiling, "Let's make this fun, shall we?"
"We shall."
They headed out to catch up with the others.