I slowed down, and stretched my arms out to touch a tree. I twisted it, pulling it down to the ground, stretching it into a wall.

I made it grow, drawing it out as far as I could, I don’t know how long. I finally pulled away, sweating. It wouldn’t be terribly difficult to go around, but it bought me time.

Turning around and away from the tree, I ran again. Soon, my feet were splashing in water, and I heard the soft rushing sounds of the river. Instead of running across the stream, I ran along the bank, stumbling across tangled grass on the way.

I could hear Karon’s slow, steady breathing, behind me, and Theo was silent, using his ability. He swept down next to me, and whispered, “Stop, Regan. I don’t want to do this, but it’s the only way… We can’t get out.â€?

I slowed down, and Theo’s feet touched the ground. I was still crying. He put his arms around me, and whispered, “It’ll be okay. You don’t need to worry, it’ll be all right. Nothing’s going to hurt you, I’ll make sure of it.â€?