I breathed a sigh of relief as we stepped out of a hole into the entrance cavern. The black crystal glittered faintly, beckoning to us. I started toward it, only for someone to catch my sleeve. I turned, startled. Evla's hand darted back, and she cast a fearful glance at Fable.
"I, er…sorry," she mumbled, quickly backing away.
"What is it?" I asked.
She reddened, shifting anxiously on her feet. The tip of her tail danced like a hummingbird.
"When we get out, um, please don't tell…you know…"
R'lissea came up beside her, taking her hand in both of hers. "It's okay to be frightened. You were all alone in there for hours, fighting for your life."
She jerked her head back and forth. "N-no, it's…I can't be weak," she whispered, eyes brimming with tears. "I can't."
"You were very brave," I said.
"I-I cried," she burst out. "Like a child."
"I'm something of a child myself, then," I admitted.
