They were lucky they left when they did. The hole in the barrier was almost too small for them to exit. Still, they managed to get out safely, and they didn’t say a word until they were free from the forest’s clutches. They were closest to Lux’s house so they stopped there before saying a word. Once Shilo knew they were safe she fell on her knees, panting from running so hard. And on top of that she saw her idols. The people she looked up to since she was small. Lux also fell next to her, almost kissing the ground he was lying on. Caleb was the only one standing, though he was somewhat out of breath too.

“I still can’t believe… they’re staying in a shack.” Shilo panted out, closing her eyes as she tried to remember the vision of her idols. She wanted to sear it into her memory.

“Yeah that thing was tiny,” Lux said, eventually sitting up. “Wonder why they’re staying there…”

“It’s not just a tiny cabin in the woods,” Caleb added. “I could hear more activity underground. The cabin is a cover. I guess there’s more space underground, though I don’t know how far it goes.” Shilo’s brows knitted together in thought, realizing that something didn’t make sense.

“But why stay there? They have a huge castle in the outskirts of town. Whenever they made decisions that had to do with our town or army they would stay at the castle. I don’t see why they didn’t spend the night there.”

“Maybe the business they’re attending to here is more undercover than we think,’” Lux speculated, standing up and brushing dirt off of his face. “Maybe it’s dangerous staying there. Everyone knows where it is.”

“Either way, we’ll find out more tomorrow.” Caleb reached a hand down for Shilo, offering to help her to her feet. Guess her time with Lux was officially over. She took his hand, pulling herself up to her feet.

“I gotta head in for the night,” Lux said not even noticing Tops crawling up his leg and clinging to his back. “I’ll see you tomorrow for the meeting. Caleb, make sure young Shilo makes it home safely!”

Caleb rolled his eyes. “Now you decide to be responsible. Go to bed.” Lux smiled, giving a salute before running to his house. Sighing, Shilo turned and began heading home herself. Caleb followed of course, remaining by her side.

“Your house is up next,” she pointed out. “I can walk home on my own.”

Caleb shook his head, not even looking at her. “My dad is out tonight so I’m in no hurry to rush home.”

There was no shaking him. Shilo just let it go, knowing that nothing she could say would change his mind. Instead her mind wandered back to The Council. She couldn’t help but think about them.

“I remember the first time I saw them in person,” she began softly, looking head but not really looking where she was going. “I was just a kid. They came directly to our home for my mother. I don’t even remember what they spoke about… But I remember them.”

“I know,” Caleb replied calmly. “You’ll see them again tomorrow. Up close and personal.” He looked down at her, a worried look overtaking his face.

“You really need to start shaping up, Shi… If you want to be part of The Council that badly you need to show that you’re responsible. Your track record isn’t great.”

“Willabus doesn’t have the best history either. He was troublesome as a kid too.”

“Yeah but… he’s old. He might look young but he’s been alive longer than your mom and dad combined. He sort of has room for error, if you will.”

She looked down, slowly beginning to play with a strand of her hair. “I know you’re right… Dad’s been trying to get me to work at the shop with him. He wants me to be responsible, too.” The thought of working at the shop just made her shoulders tighten…

“If I start working there I’ll get stuck there. I’ll show them what I can do.. What I’m capable of. My way.”