Chapter 11: The Essentials

                                    

                                          

As soon as Killian dismissed the meeting, I hurried back to my house, my mind racing with everything I needed to pack. The weight of our mission pressed down on me, but I forced myself to focus on the task at hand. There was no room for doubt or hesitation. Lila needed me, and I had to be ready for whatever lay ahead.
*We've got this, Sasha,* Mira said, her voice steady and reassuring. *Just pack what you need, and don't overthink it.*
*Easier said than done,* I replied, but her encouragement helped me push through the rising anxiety.
The house was quiet, almost too quiet without Lila's presence. My heart ached at the thought of her being somewhere out there, alone and scared. But I couldn't let those thoughts consume me. I had to stay strong for her.
I grabbed a sturdy backpack and started packing the essentials: extra clothes, a first aid kit, a couple of daggers, some food and water, and a few small keepsakes to remind me of home. I also packed a small blanket of Lila's, hoping it might bring her some comfort when I found her.
As I moved around the house, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My face looked drawn, my eyes tired, but there was a determination there too. I wasn't just a scared girl anymore. I was a protector, a fighter, and I would do whatever it took to bring my sister home.
Just as I zipped up my backpack, there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find Killian standing there, his expression softening when he saw me.
"Need any help?" he asked, his voice gentle.
For a moment, I hesitated, not wanting to seem like I couldn't handle things on my own. But the truth was, I could use the help, and there was something comforting about having him here.
"Yeah, actually," I admitted. "I've got a few more things to pack, and then I'll need help carrying everything out to the SUVs."
Killian stepped inside, his presence filling the room with a warmth I hadn't realized I needed. As he moved to help, our hands brushed briefly, sending a spark of electricity through me. I looked up at him, and for a moment, our eyes locked. There was something in his gaze, something that made my heart beat a little faster.
*He cares about you,* Mira whispered in my mind, her voice laced with a hint of something I couldn't quite place. *More than you know.*
I quickly looked away, focusing on packing the last few items. "Thanks for helping," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"It's no problem," Killian replied, his voice low and sincere. "We're in this together."
We worked side by side in silence, but the air between us felt charged, like there were unspoken words lingering just beneath the surface. Every time our hands accidentally touched, I felt that same spark, and I wondered if he felt it too.
Once everything was packed, Killian picked up my bags with ease, carrying them out to the waiting SUVs. I grabbed the last one, following him outside. The cool night air was refreshing, helping to clear my mind as we loaded the bags into the trunk of one of the vehicles.
"Do you think we'll be ready in time?" I asked, suddenly feeling the weight of the mission bearing down on me again.
Killian turned to me, his expression serious but calm. "We'll be ready. We have to be."
I nodded, feeling a mix of fear and determination. "I just hope we're not too late."
"We won't be," Killian said firmly, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. "We're going to find her, Sasha. I promise."
Something in his tone, in the way he said my name, sent a shiver down my spine. Before I could respond, he took a step closer, his hand brushing against mine again. For a brief moment, it felt like the rest of the world faded away, leaving just the two of us standing there in the dim light.
*What are you waiting for?* Mira nudged, her tone teasing. *You know you want to say something.*
*Not now,* I replied quickly, feeling a flush rise in my cheeks.
But before anything more could happen, Killian pulled back, breaking the spell. "I should check on the others," he said, his voice a little rougher than before. "Make sure they're all set."
"Right," I agreed, trying to ignore the disappointment that flickered in my chest. "Thanks again for the help."
Killian gave me a small, reassuring smile. "Anytime. I'll see you in a bit."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I watched him go, my heart still racing from that brief moment of connection. 
*He's something special,* Mira mused, her voice softer now. *You should let him in, Sasha.*
*Maybe,* I thought, though I wasn't sure if I was ready to take that step.
With a deep breath, I closed the trunk and turned back toward the house. There was still so much to do, so much to prepare for. But as I went back inside to make sure everything was in order, I couldn't help but think about that moment with Killian—and wonder what it might mean for the future.