Selene stepped forward, brushing off the leaves from her shoulders.
"I can lead us back to the castle…I think. I do remember the way back."
She said, her voice steady even though her mind still felt like it was spinning.
But before anyone could respond, Zara's voice cut through.
"Why would we need you to lead us when we have a perfectly good guide?" She tilted her head toward the captured guard, arms crossed.
Noah instantly flared up.
"If you don't trust Selene, maybe you shouldn't have come in the first place."
Zara's eyes narrowed.
"It's not about trust. It's about being smart. She was barely functioning earlier. And this forest? It's not exactly forgiving."
"Enough,"
Selene said, cutting through the tension. She turned to Zara, calm but firm.
"You're right. I'm not confident I can get us there without getting turned around. Having a guide is better."
Noah looked at her, frustrated.
"You don't have to back down—"
"I'm not. I'm making the smart call."
