Chapter 24. Dogfight

Night fell on the forest, and the blood-red moon rose, casting the only light on the path through the woods. The team quietly crept up to a clearing, where a lonely tower rose. Its spire sliced through the sky, and there was no entrance or exit, only a window under the dome that looked out onto the forest.

"It's grim," Rick said.

Crackling fires and the sound of heated arguments could be heard from both sides. Their competitors made camp for the night.

Lyra's group decided not to lag and settled down for the night. Steve gathered twigs, and Adam caught their dinner. Five juicy rabbits twirled on the spit, roasting and giving off a tantalizing aroma. Saliva poured down Lyra's throat, but she held out until the end.

After a delicious supper, the group decided that Adam would take the first watch, followed by Lyra. The rhythmic chirping of crickets and the long journey had worn them out, and they quickly fell asleep.

But Lyra'