Shattered but Unbroken

The narrow bridge behind them crumbled as the group moved into the shadowy mouth of a cavern carved into the mountain. The air was damp and cold, and every step seemed to echo endlessly into the dark. Jason led the way, his staff casting a soft golden light that illuminated the jagged walls.

Annabeth walked close behind, supporting Emmalyn, who was pale and trembling. The makeshift bandage on her shoulder had slowed the bleeding, but her strength was fading fast.

“You’re going to be okay,” Annabeth whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Just hold on. We’ll find somewhere to rest soon.”

“I’m not... giving up,” Emmalyn muttered, her voice weak but defiant. “You... have to keep going. The scroll... doesn’t care if we’re ready.”

Annie, who had been walking ahead to scout the path, turned back, her face unusually solemn. “There’s a small chamber up ahead. Looks like it might be a safe place to stop for a while.”

Jason nodded, glancing at Annabeth. “She needs rest. We can’t push forward until she’s stronger.”

Annabeth hesitated, torn between the urgency of their mission and her sister’s fragile state. She met Jason’s gaze and nodded. “We’ll stop.”

The chamber Annie had found was small and enclosed, the air surprisingly warm compared to the freezing cold outside. Jason set his staff in the center of the room, its light filling the space with a soft glow.

Annabeth helped Emmalyn sit against the wall, her sister wincing as she leaned back. Annabeth knelt beside her, checking the bandage.

“It’s not bleeding as much,” Annabeth said, relief softening her voice. “But we need to get you proper help soon.”

Emmalyn chuckled weakly. “Since when has ‘proper help’ been an option on this trip?”

Jason approached, kneeling beside them. “Let me see.” He placed his hand over Emmalyn’s shoulder, his staff glowing brighter in response. A faint golden light spread across the wound, and Emmalyn sighed, her face relaxing as the pain seemed to lessen.

“I can’t heal it completely,” Jason said, his voice low. “But I’ve stopped the bleeding and eased the pain. She’ll need time to recover.”

“Thank you,” Annabeth said, her gratitude evident.

Annie sat near the entrance, keeping watch. Her eyes flicked back to the group. “What happens if we can’t keep going? If one more of us gets hurt...” She let the sentence hang, the weight of it filling the room.

Annabeth looked up, her jaw tightening. “We keep going,” she said firmly. “We have to. The scroll’s power isn’t going to stop because we’re tired or hurt. And if we don’t stop it...” Her voice trailed off, the implications clear.

Jason nodded, his expression grim. “She’s right. But we need to remember we’re not fighting this battle alone. We’ve survived because we’ve worked together, and because...” He hesitated, then glanced at Annabeth. “Because of faith.”

The room grew quiet as the words settled over the group.

Annabeth pulled her prayer journal from her satchel, opening it to a page filled with neat handwriting. “I’ve been thinking about a verse from 2 Corinthians,” she said softly. “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

Emmalyn chuckled weakly. “That feels... appropriate.”

“It’s true,” Annabeth said, her voice steady. “We’re not enough on our own. But God’s strength is. Even when we feel broken, He’s with us. That’s what gives me hope. That’s what keeps me going.”

Annie leaned back against the wall, her arms crossed. “You really believe He’s watching over us? After everything we’ve been through?”

Annabeth met her gaze, unwavering. “I do. I’ve seen His hand in too many moments to believe otherwise. The fact that we’re still here, that we’ve survived this far—that’s not chance. That’s His grace.”

Jason smiled faintly, his amber eyes thoughtful. “I used to believe like you do,” he admitted. “Before the scroll, before the guardians. I lost that faith somewhere along the way. But seeing you—hearing you—it’s like a spark I thought was gone is starting to flicker again.”

Annie sighed, her expression unreadable. “I don’t know what I believe. But if your God can help us survive whatever’s next, I won’t complain.”

Annabeth smiled, her heart lifting despite the heaviness of the moment. “Faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting in the One who does. And I believe He’s guiding us, even now.”

The group sat in silence for a while, the warmth of Jason’s staff filling the chamber. Emmalyn drifted into a restless sleep, her breathing steady.

As Annabeth sat with her journal open, silently praying for strength, she felt a renewed determination rising within her. Their journey was far from over, and the challenges ahead would test them in ways they couldn’t yet imagine. But she knew, deep in her heart, that they weren’t walking this path alone.

Lord, give us strength for what lies ahead. Let Your light guide our steps, and remind us that even in the darkest moments, You are with us. Amen.