Chapter 9

My footsteps faltered. Who said that? I pull my hand out of Alrich’s and look around. I spin in a circle, hoping to find the source of the voice, even though common sense tells me that there is no one who said it. I look towards the trees, nothing. I look towards the pyres, nothing. I look at Alrich. Did he say it? No, the voice didn’t sound right.

“Hey.” Alrich says, grabbing my hand. “Hey. What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

I stare at him for a few more minutes. I contemplate on whether or not I should tell him. I opt on a small truth.

“I thought I heard something. Did you?” I answer, honestly.

He glances around before tilting his head. He closes his eyes to concentrate. “What did you think you heard?” He asks with his eyes still closed.

“Someone talking to me.”

He opens eyes wider. For a second I’m afraid that he is going to laugh at me.

“Are you sure?” He asks instead.

I take a breath. Do I confirm it? I look at him for a few seconds. I guess that I can trust him.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

He pu