Phoenix forced a half smile. "Yeppers." Her voice was stiff, and eveyrone could tell she was trying (and failing) to act cheerful. "Any volunteers?" There was a few hesitant exchange of looks. Finally, Zoe's hand slowly raised, not passing her head.
"Count me in." There was identical strain in her voice.
"So it's settled then?" Ava and Erik said simultaneously, causing Ava's face to flush.
"'Spose so." Tommy swallowed. "Good luck."
"You too," Phoenix said to the group of bedraggled teens. "If we don't come back...-"
"We will," Zoe couldn't help but strongly interject before Phoenix could finish her sentence. Her hair glowed pearl white, a sure sign that contradicted her face. Zoe was scared. With a shrug, Zoe blew her pale bangs out of her face, and, following Phoenix's instructions, placed both hands on Phoenix's shoulders. Phoenix closed her eyes, and now everyone could notice her veins shine gold through her closed eyelashes. And then, just like that, they were gone.
Lyla lay curled in a ball, sand pouring on her face, sticking to her flow of tears. Suddenly, she felt a prescence. No, two, enter her field of mind power. She hiccuped and sat straight up lightning fast. They were here. She was going to live.