Chapter 7

"I'm not going to lie… this looks really unfamiliar," Alicia said, analyzing the map with narrowed eyes. "I've never seen anything like this before. There are mountains drawn on it—like actual indicators of where they’d be. Since when did maps do that? And look at this—it's literally showing a long stream. What? How old is this thing? Looks like it's mapping out a specific area or region. That would explain all the details."

"Maybe we should just ask the higher-ups about it," Mason suggested. "I mean, if we found it in one of their files, they probably know what it is."

That was not what Zariyah wanted to hear.

She was supposed to be the one making the plans. Leading them. But instead, they were deciding things on their own—without even looking to her first. No. She had to step in now, take responsibility, and make sure all her effort meant something.

"No."

Her voice was sharp and commanding, instantly silencing the room. Everyone turned to her as she continued, "You do remember what they just pulled in the meeting room, right? This has to be another one of their tests. They’re watching us—seeing if we’re capable enough to figure this out on our own. We can’t let them win. And we won’t let them down, either."

She reached for the map, and Alicia handed it over without hesitation.

Mason tilted his head. "Oh, right! That reminds me—weren’t you talking about some ‘unexpected surprise’ for the higher-ups?" His curiosity from earlier had clearly resurfaced. "What was that about?"

"Oh, that?" Zariyah said, folding the map neatly before slipping it into her pocket. "You’ll find out soon enough."

Mason groaned. "This isn’t some dramatic TV show, Zariyah. No need for all the suspense. Just tell us already!" His teasing tone made it clear he wasn’t actually frustrated—just amused.

"Stop acting like a child, Mason," Zariyah said with a smirk, turning back to her desk. "Like I said—you’ll find out soon enough."

Mason huffed but didn’t argue back.

The room fell into a silent, expectant energy as everyone gathered around the desk, waiting. They were all looking at her. Waiting for her words, her direction.

And this—this was exactly what she wanted.

To lead.

To speak and have everyone listen.

She could practically taste the power on her tongue, and it was intoxicating.

"So, as we all know..."

And with that, she laid it all out. The plan. The route. The first destination. Every last detail. They sketched out their journey together, pinpointing their supplies, considering every risk, every step, and every possible outcome.

By the time they were finished, the sun was dipping lower in the sky. It was late afternoon—too late to start now. They all agreed: tomorrow morning. At the forest’s southern entrance. That’s where their journey would truly begin.

But Zariyah knew.

This? This was just a glimpse. Just the smallest taste of what was to come.

And the incident in the meeting room? There was more to it. More than just a simple test.

The higher-ups weren’t just evaluating her leadership. Something else was at play. Something bigger.

And that map? It was a piece of it.

A small piece of something she had to uncover.

But that was for tomorrow.

Tonight, she needed to rest. To prepare. To pack everything she’d need for this mission.

Too bad she hadn’t even gotten the chance to properly enjoy her new home before leaving again. But it wouldn’t be for long. She’d make sure of that. She’d get this done fast.

Because the only thing she needed now… was for nothing—absolutely nothing—to stand in her way.

With that thought lingering in her mind, she slid into her car and started the drive home.

Home.

Where she truly belonged.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

Morning arrived with golden sunlight streaming through Zariyah’s bedroom windows.

Wait. Windows?

Weren’t they closed last night?

She blinked, still groggy, but quickly shook off the thought. Not important right now.

As the warm morning rays touched her face, she stretched, rubbed her eyes, and then—

It hit her.

Today was the day.

A squeal left her lips before she could stop it.

Within seconds, she was bouncing around her room, her excitement practically radiating off the walls. But in all that excitement, she completely forgot—

She had to get ready.

Her eyes flicked to the clock.

6:15 A.M.

They were supposed to meet at 7:00 sharp.

Panic set in. She was running late.

Wasting no time, she rushed to get dressed, grabbing her bag and pulling on her boots. With one final glance in the mirror, she smirked.

Her outfit practically screamed archaeologist.

Perfect.

Zariyah never did things by mistake. Every step she took, every breath, had a purpose. And today? That purpose was solving mysteries.

She grabbed her car keys, ready to speed off—until another realization hit her.

There was no way she could park anywhere near the forest entrance. Not for days on end.

Ugh.

With a sigh, she stepped back out and chose to walk instead. It would take longer, sure, but it was worth it. Every confident step she took down the street was powerful, like she owned it.

Honestly? At this point, she might as well.

By the time she reached the southern entrance of the forest, she spotted them.

Tyler. Alicia. Mason.

And—of course—Mason was standing as far away from the other two as humanly possible without straight-up disappearing.

Zariyah raised a brow. Weird.

“What’s going on here?” she asked as she approached.

Before she could say another word, Mason grabbed her arm, dragging her away from the other two.

He leaned in, voice low and teasing.

“I saw them kiss this morning,” he whispered dramatically. “When I was on my way here. Right then. I think they’re dating.”

His grin was almost wicked—because he knew.

They had both called it.

Zariyah’s smirk slowly matched his.

Oh, this just got interesting.

T. B. C.

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