Chapter 55

-Darius-

Quinn and I didn’t speak much after what I pointed out. We just stood there in the middle of the camp, unable to form words, because what was there to say? What on earth could leave our lips to make this situation better? Neither of us knew. I didn’t mean to make him sad or feel afraid. I didn’t mean to ruin his night. Everyone had begun to relax around the camp, just enjoying their time as anyone would before battle. But it didn’t seem like we were going to battle for a while. I was scared of making a move, afraid of how much it would cost us, and all those lives would be on me. The generals had retreated. After being shown those heads, they had not really left their tents, and our meetings had grown quiet and still. No one spoke. No one said anything because we already knew who was the winner. It was so obvious, and it filled us with fear. Paralyzing fear that made it impossible for any of us to move. We were scared—terrified even. We didn’t know what to do with ourselves.