บท 288: Courage (1/3)

Mara ran alongside Aiden as they escaped behind the buildings, turning back every so often to make sure the rest of the novices were still following them. Sure, Aiden knew where the back exit was, but it was up to her to lead everyone to her hiding place once they got out of the Branch.

The novices were used to running as part of their training, but Nicasi's sister had no problem keeping up, either.

The girl caught Mara assessing her and ran faster. Her greenish-brown eyes narrowed as she moved ahead, issuing Mara a challenge she couldn't resist.

She seemed to be younger than Aiden, but older than Mara. Her braid reached halfway down her back, and her hair was the same color as Nicasi's.

"Hey. What's your name?" Mara ran faster as well, inching in front of the girl just to prove she could. "I'm Mara."

"Clio."

"Are you scared?"

"Yes," Clio said, but she didn't sound scared at all. "Are you?"