Darkling POV

[Darkling P.O.V. detected]

Well, that’s not good. I watch my brother run off into the woods with a shouting Peri on his tail, then I survey the damage. He’d destroyed a desk, chair, and a couple other items. This happens when he remembers something bad. It’s something he can’t really control, but sometimes he hurts people. Sometimes he just stands there, staring. It’s different every time.

“Peri, come back! It’s not safe…” I call before she follows Darknight deeper into the woods. “He just needs some time alone.” I’m not sure if this is true, but it’s our best bet.

“I’ll leave him be for a while!” she calls back, then runs deeper into the forest. “Oh, yeah, and I always go where it isn’t safe!” her fading voice shouts.

“And there she goes,” Max sighs. “Just doin’ her own thing.”

“I’ll get them,” Jay says, then sprints off after the two.

“Jay--” I protest, but she’s already gone. “She never listens,” I grumble. I know she can take care of herself, but she just left me in a very awkward situation. It’s just me, Max, Wilson, and Spar, and none of us know how to break the silence. Eventually, Spar and Wilson go off to do their own thing, leaving me and Max staring off into the woods. Max silently sharpens his swords with a rock.

Great. This kid is pretty much Peri’s boyfriend, and I’m pretty much Peri’s uncle, even though I’m barely older than she is. Major awkwardness. We both sit in silence for a while.

Finally, Jay walks out of the woods, telekinetically holding Darknight and Peri in the air. Peri struggles, but Darknight just hangs limp, staring straight ahead. Jay sets them down, and Peri glares at her, muttering something in a different language. Darknight just stumbles over to a bench and sits down, still staring ahead.

[Darkling POV End]