I'd carry you," he added, "but I'd have to get you declawed first."
"Don't count on it," I replied.
Sage did an exaggerated stretch. "In the meantime, I think we should all get some sleep." He sprawled out across the dirt floor. "Good night."
He shut his eyes and was perfectly still. There was no chance he was asleep already, but Ben spoke his mind anyway. He pulled me aside just the slightest bit and sneered down at Sage.
"I don't like any of this, Clea."
"Really? Because when he started talking about the Elixir of Life, I thought the two of you were ready to become blood brothers."
"I believe in the Elixir," Ben said. "Enough that I want to believe Sage's story. I just don't now if we can. And we still can't explain the pictures. I don't trust him."
"I don't care, Ben. Dad trusted him. And Sages plan is my best shot at finding him alive."
"I guess. Just..." Ben took a moment to put together his next words. "Be careful around him, okay? I feel like..."
I waited, but he wasn't going to finish. "Feel like what?"
"Nothing. I'm here for you. You know that, right?"
I could see him struggling. It was like he was trying to tell me something monumental, but the words that came out weren't doing it justice.
He sprawled out on the cave floor as far away from Sage as he could, and patted his chest. "Need a pillow? It's not really in my job description, but I'm happy to offer." He pinched a corner of his shirt between two fingers. "Cotton twill. Very soft."
I forced a laugh. "I'm okay. Thanks."
I curled up on the cave floor in between the two guys. Despite everything, I could already feel myself drifting away.
"Clea?" It was Ben's voice, now right next to my ear, but I was to tired to turn and respond. I think I managed a "Hmm?" but that might have been in my head.
"Good night," he said, then I heard him lie back down.

Autor: Hilary Duff