A Clue

[Arissa’s POV]

I watched from the side as Ivan and Stefan prepared many pieces of wood to create a fire. Though it had been raining most of the night, Stefan was able to draw all the water from within, making them dry enough to easily light.

When we were done, we all took turns picking up whatever remained. I could only hope that we managed to collect every child that perished here. Otherwise, I felt that their spirits wouldn’t rest and I would never be free of these jinns.

"You should just relax." Ivan said, coming up beside me as I filled my arms with bone and cloth. "You’ve been stressing your body out enough recently."

"This is nothing." I insisted, giving a small smile. "Please don’t baby me, alright?"

"I’m just worried about you."

"I know and I appreciate you for that, but I’m not some porcelain doll that will break at any minute." Not physically, anyway, I added mentally.

Realizing that I wasn’t going to do what he wanted, Ivan began to grump under his breath while walking away