I understood them now. I could understand their pain and desperation. All they wanted was for our mothers to be rescued. They wanted to end this cycle as much as I wanted, and once they realized my phoenix spirit had finally recovered, they brought me here. I'm sure Cody was the one who recognized its awakening.
"You don't need to explain further," I said with a quiet resolve, cutting Cody off before he could continue. "I'll do the trial."
The words tasted bitter on my tongue, but they were the truth. I had made my decision.
Cody's shoulders relaxed slightly, but his eyes remained wary. "You're sure?"
"As sure as I'll ever be." I swallowed hard, my fingers twisting together. "But I need to leave them a note. Seth and Jacob... they need to know I didn't abandon them."
For a moment, Co
