"Mommy, can I go too?" Elaine asked, clinging to Zoey's waist.
"No, sweetie," Sarah replied gently but firmly. "It's too dangerous. We don't know this person Julia. I can't risk losing you."
Elaine's lip quivered, but she nodded and stepped back, wrapping her little arms tightly around Zoey. "Please don't get hurt again," she whispered. "Promise me, Z."
Zoey crouched to meet her sister's eyes. "I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die."
They hugged like it might be the last time.
The drive across the country was long, winding through forests, mountains, and cities that blurred by in a haze of tension. The RV was beautiful sleek, magical, and surprisingly cozy—but the atmosphere inside was anything but.
While Jada drove, Zoey and Jace sat in the back.
"Zoey," Jace said, breaking the silence. "I'm sorry I haven't talked to you."
Zoey folded her arms. "Yeah… not even a hug. Not even a kiss. Nothing."
"I was in a bad place," he muttered. "You were in a coma. I didn't know if you'd ever wake up. Alina was the only one there and... we did things."
Zoey's eyes narrowed. "Things? Like what?"
Jace hesitated. "We kissed."
Zoey was on her feet before he could say another word. She stormed to the front of the RV and grabbed Alina by the shoulder. Without hesitation, she swung.
"You kissed my boyfriend? While I was in a coma?"
"Zoey!" Alina gasped, trying to shield herself. "It was an accident—"
"An accident?" Zoey shouted. "You're one of my best friends, Alina. How could you?"
Jada slammed on the brakes, pulling the RV to the side of the road.
"Zoey! Go inside and get snacks from the store. Now." Her voice was calm but firm. "What the hell is wrong with you two? She just got out of a coma!"
"We're sorry," Alina whispered, tears welling up.
Mya and Jada hugged her, trying to soothe the guilt swirling through the RV like a storm cloud.
Zoey returned a few minutes later, arms full of chips and drinks. She shoved them into the refrigerator, her movements stiff.
"They're sorry," Mya tried again.
"I'm done," Zoey snapped. "Jace, after this trip, don't talk to me. And Alina? You too."
Silence settled over the RV like a heavy fog. Jace opened his mouth once, then closed it. Alina sat quietly in the passenger seat, her hands trembling. Jada and Mya did their best to hold the pieces of their group together.
By the time they reached New York City, everyone felt the divide.
Alina used her powers, palms glowing faint blue, eyes closed in concentration. "She's here. In a safehouse."
The safehouse looked ordinary just a brownstone tucked between two storefronts. But as they approached, the air shimmered.
Julia was waiting inside. The room smelled of lavender and sage, filled with plants, glowing books, and crystal formations that hummed with power. She looked serene, with long braids streaked with silver and a robe that glowed faintly under candlelight.
"Hello, Zoey," she said, her voice calm and knowing. "You've finally arrived. Child of three bloods."
"You know who I am?" Zoey asked, eyes narrowing.
"I know more than you think. And I know you want answers. But I can't give them now my powers are drained. In the morning, I'll tell you everything. For now, rest."
Later that night, Zoey sat beside Alina by the window. The city buzzed faintly outside.
"Hey, A," she whispered.
Alina turned, surprised. "Hey… I thought you were still mad at me."
Zoey shrugged. "I am. But I'd never let a boy come between us. You're one of my best friends."
The rest of the girls joined them, wrapping arms around each other in a silent group hug.
"He still loves you, you know," Alina said softly.
Zoey looked down. "Yeah… I know. But love doesn't erase betrayal. I need time."
Outside, the night darkened but inside, hope flickered again, fragile but real.