Page 26 of A Fate in Flames

He shook his head.“Not really.It just sounded like a bunch of mumbling.The only thing I know is that, somehow, I got roped into going on this ‘journey’ with you.”

He shrugged as if it were nothing, but he had no idea what was coming.And so, I told him.

He came to a dead stop.

“What!”His eyes were wide with disbelief.“Youhave to go… into theJinnrealm, find a stone, and then—” he swallowed hard, “killa Jinn.All because your mother made a bargain to have you?”

“Basically.But now,you’recoming with me.”

Theo stood frozen, his expression twisted between horror and sheer panic.

“Also,” I added before I could lose the nerve, “not just any Jinn, but thekingof Jinn.”

He bent forward, bracing his hands on his knees.“I’m going to throw up.”

“I know,I know,” I murmured, the guilt churning in my gut.“But I have no choice.If I don’t do this, my mother will suffer.”

Just the thought of her—of what could happen to her—made my chest tighten painfully.

I walked over to Theo, whose panic still hadn’t settled, and placed a hand over his heart.It beat wildly beneath my palm.

“We’re going to die,” he said flatly.“You know that, right?”

“Well… at least we’ll die together.”

I stepped away from him and continued walking.Theo caught up quickly, falling into step beside me.He angled his face towards the sun, soaking in its warmth.As smug as ever.“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Huh?”

“You’re happy to die with me.”He jabbed a finger into my shoulder.“Youloveme.”

“Oh, fuck off, Theo.”

He laughed, genuine despite everything, I couldn’t help but laugh too.

We walked and walked andwalkeduntil our legs throbbed with exhaustion, our knees threatening to buckle.The sun had long since dipped below the horizon and the weight of sleeplessness pressed heavily on our shoulders.Our stomachs clenched with hunger, an ache that grew with every passing hour.

We stopped only briefly whenever we stumbled upon a small stream, cupping the cool water in our hands and drinking greedily.Eventually we found a clearing—a meagre space just tolerable enough for sleep.

Theo carefully stacked dry twigs and coaxed a fire to life.The flames flared, casting dancing shadows against the surrounding trees.

We sat on the dirt floor, stretching our hands toward the fire, letting the heat chase away the evening’s chill.As we sat in silence, the reality of our journey pressed down on us both.

If we were discovered, what excuse would we give?

“We’ll say we got lost,” I suggested.

Theo snorted.“That’s it?That’s yourbigplan?”

I shot him a glare.“I don’t see you coming up with anything better.”

He huffed but said nothing.

“I think it’s a solid plan.We were travelling to another village, got lost, and happened upon the Veil.Curiosity got the best of us and we wandered in.Simple.”I clapped my hands as if that sealed it, trying to sound more convincing than I felt.

Theo sighed, throwing his head back to stare at the empty sky.

“Yep,” he muttered.“We’re dead.”