Thirteen
I take a moment to process everything. It’s been an overwhelming few days and the realization that I actually succeeded is . . . I’m just not sure how to believe that. It’s too surreal.
After a few minutes—and a few deep breaths—I head for the temple doors. I can’t stay in here forever. Besides, my best friend is waiting for me.
When I push the big gold doors aside, Troy isn’t the only one waiting for me on the steps. The whole gang is here—Phoebe, Griffin, Stella, and Xander are clustered at the bottom. I stop on the top step, expecting them to pelt me with questions like they did the last two times I came out of the temple. Instead, they’re silent.
“I—”
Where do I begin?
“Did Troy fill you in on what Petrolas told me?”
They all nod. Troy turns red, like I’m going to be ma
