I run through the trees. How often during this past week have I found myself doing this? But I don’t care. I run faster and faster and hear Braizen pound after me. He wants answers, and I can’t give him any. He wants to know things that I don't know myself. Things I can’t even think about. Mud spatters the once white dress, and more branches tangle my hair with each stride.

I’ve no idea what I just did or if the Minea woman was right about me. I only know I need to run. I don’t even know to where. I only hope that if I’m quick enough, maybe my thoughts won’t be able to catch up to me. So, I take longer strides and push my legs faster and faster.

When I can no longer run, I slow to a walk and hold my arms above my head, taking deep, controlled breaths of the frigid air. It’s so gods damn cold, and I left my cloak in the carriage. Safe to say, I’ll never see it again.

“Good Guard,” Braizen wheezes as he closes in on me. “Torr was right. You are fast.” He leans down to catch his breath, “Seriously, Sparrow? How many times are you going to make me chase you through these damned woods?”

“I’ve never asked or forced you to chase after me,” I huff.

Braizen brushes the tip of his nose and smiles. “Just like I didn’t ask you to save me. And yet, here we are. Both doing things the other didn’t ask for.”

“I don’t know how I did it! There. Are you satisfied? I don’t know how any of this is possible. So, please, don’t ask.” I breathe in the biting air. My nose must be as red as the Aeradian flag by now.

“I wasn’t going to ask how you did it. I was going to ask…”

“If I knew that I could? If I’m capable of anything else? If my father can do magic, too?”

“I was going to ask if you’re okay,” Braizen finishes slowly.

“Oh.” If the cold didn’t make me red before, my embarrassment does now.

“Oh.” He repeats sharply.

I look down and kick up the soil under my feet before raising my chin.

“Honestly?” I ask.

He steps closer, but I don’t retreat.

“Honestly, I think I’m fine. I just need to get out of these woods.”

Braizen hesitates as if he wants to say something, then his shoulders relax, and his face lightens.

“I couldn’t agree more. Thankfully, we’ll be out of here soon enough. Especially with you running so much.”

I manage a weak laugh. “If only you could run as fast as you run your mouth,” I tease.

He cracks a handsome grin. “If only.”