Contents
30. Charlie
Overview
Alexis leaps to a snowy Montana forest and reunites with her mute brother, Charlie, in his makeshift shelter. They grieve the death of Fluffy and reaffirm their bond. Augustus, Kharon, Patro, and Achilles track them, sparking a tense standoff. Alexis forces agreement that Charlie comes with them before they all leap away.
Summary
Reeling from pain and guilt, Alexis leaps into a dark, snowy Montana forest and desperately searches for Charlie. She collapses but is found by Charlie, who reveals himself and embraces her, easing her panic. He carries her to his makeshift cardboard-and-tarp shelter where they huddle under a blanket.
As they catch up, Charlie signs his fear and helplessness since Alexis’s disappearance, while Alexis apologizes for leaving. When Alexis asks about Fluffy, Charlie tearfully admits the dog died early in the winter despite his efforts to feed her. The siblings grieve together and vow never to be separated again.
At dawn, barking draws near and their shelter is torn away by Augustus’s group—Kharon with a drawn gun, Augustus furious, Patro and Achilles grim, Nero sniffing. Charlie shields Alexis as Kharon demands answers. Seeing Alexis’s bloodstained blanket, Augustus moves, hoists her over his shoulder despite her struggles.
Alexis threatens to destroy everything if they leave Charlie behind. Patro intervenes, stating they intended to bring Charlie all along. After Alexis demands a promise, Kharon holsters his gun and confirms Charlie will come. Augustus tightens his grip as tensions spike between Kharon and Alexis over their betrothal and her defiance.
With the decision made, Augustus murmurs the command to leap. Darkness folds over them as the entire group—Alexis, Charlie, Augustus, Kharon, Patro, and Achilles—depart together.
Who Appears
- AlexisInjured and guilt-ridden, she reunites with Charlie, mourns Fluffy, and demands he be taken with her, forcing the group’s compliance.
- CharlieAlexis’s mute younger brother; starving and protective, he shelters her, reveals Fluffy’s death, and insists on staying with her.
- AugustusFurious yet decisive; seizes Alexis to get medical help, agrees to take Charlie, and triggers the group’s leap.
- KharonArrives armed, initially threatens Charlie, then promises to bring him; pointedly references their betrothal, provoking tension.
- PatroCalms the standoff, stating they always planned to take Charlie; helps restrain Charlie during the confrontation.
- AchillesFurious and imposing; helps restrain Charlie during the tense encounter before the leap.