The trek back to Michael's camp seemed to take longer than any conflict, pursuit, or nightmare I had ever experienced.

Michael's unconscious body was supported between Edwin and Maya as they moved forward. With his head drooping forward and gold dust still clinging to his hair like fading stars, his feet dragged. Elias sat on my hip, his tiny arms encircling my neck, trembling sometimes and remaining silent.

Since the ruins, he had not spoken.

Not even when I made an effort to persuade ...