Chapter 288: The Fight
The first thing that went through Kim's mind when they got back was that Elin was safe. That she'd somehow avoided any real dangers out there. The second thought was about what Elin had been thinking about wandering off on her own like that. She might not be a child, but she was the least capable of everyone in their combined groups when it came to combat. The only other person Kim could think of that would have less combat abilities was Heather, and she certainly wasn't present right then.
"Elin, we need to talk," Kim said before anyone else could when she returned with the search party.
Elin didn't show any reaction, or even looked like she thought she had done anything wrong, and stood up walking a distance away from everyone. Then she turned to look at Kim coolly. Like nothing had happened to make Kim upset.
Kim wasn't sure what to make of it, but she certainly didn't like it. Though, another thought came to mind that Elin had been replaced by a doppelganger. She didn't have any evidence of that, but it was a worry that nagged at her in the back of her mind.
When Kim reached Elin, she saw they were about fifty feet away from the group, near the edge of the valley. Then, before Elin could say anything, Kim spoke, making it clear that she wasn't happy about what had happened.
"Why didn't you wait for me?" Kim demanded. "I told you I needed to test what my sword can do."
Elin nodded. "Then after that, you went to sleep," Elin retorted. "That let me know just how important I was, so I though I'd merely clear my head. I'm sorry if I didn't get your permission to do that, but you did kind of go to sleep and I'm not aware of anyone else with your level of authority."
Kim blinked. What was that supposed to mean? She didn't treat Elin like she was lesser than herself. It felt like this was coming out of nowhere.
"You didn't even let anyone know where you were going," Kim replied, feeling like this was at least a good point. "You and I weren't the only ones still in the camp."