Lion pried the bear trap open, freeing Ron's mangled leg. Black ooze dripped from the wound as Ron limped backward, snarling. Lion gathered four rusted traps, shoving two into Ron's arms despite his hobbling gait.
"Sister—carry the girl." Lion turned, but Lona stood motionless, her black eyes distant. "Sister? Are you alright?"
She blinked. "Yes. I'll carry her on my back."
Melina clambered onto Lona, wrapping her arms around her neck. The twins' telepathic bond hummed—a thread of shared instincts, yet Lona veiled her mind like a curtain drawn over a window. "He doesn't know, she thought, shielding her truth. He believes I crave immortality… but I don't. I only crave his survival. If he lives forever, I must too—to protect him. Even if it means devouring a thousand brains. "
"Sister!" Lion's voice pierced her thoughts. "Put her down. We're here."
"Yes." Lona lowered Melina, her gaze fixed on the distant camp—tents huddled around a bonfire, shadows dancing like devils.
"Plan?" she pulsed.
"Set the traps." Lion gestured to the perimeter. "Then… the girl lures them."
Melina bounced on her toes. "Oooh, decoy duty! Fun!"
The twins hid the bear traps in the tall grass, their rusted jaws gaping. Lion pointed to the camp, then to Melina.
"Got it!" She skipped toward the tents, humming.
"Ten minutes left," Lona thought, her black eyes narrowing. "If this fails…"
"It won't." Lion's milky stare followed Melina. "It can't."