Sadie started sweating halfway through the hike. "Hey Shian," she called, "Can I wear a different color than black? It's really making me hot."
"Nope, you're wearing the black!" He called back. Sadie rolled her eyes. She very strongly disliked Shian. And she knew Beatrix was upset about the whole 'I don't like you and you liking me was just a spell' scenario, even though she wasn't showing her true anger. Sometimes she just wanted to grab Shian's little neck and just crack it just the right way. That would make her very happy. Sadie grinned to herself about that thought and raced to catch up with the rest of the group.
"Hey, Shian," Beatrix said, "May I ask you something?"
"Sure, you can ask me anything." Shian replied.
"Ok, then. Why did you put the spell on me and not Sadie?" Beatrix asked.
"Well, um," Shian mumbled.
"Come on, speak up! I want to know this too," Sadie said. Hayden kinda nodded like 'me too'.
"It's because..." Shian muttered.
"It's because why? You wanted the risk, and most likely to happen, of fire burning all over your body?" Beatrix said.
"Well, it's because I think that......" Shian said.
"You think what! Spit it out you imbecile!" Sadie yelled.
"It's because I think that Beatrix is really pretty and nice!" Shian said, very quickly.
"You what!?" Beatrix yelled.
"I think that you're pretty and nice." Shian said, then hang his head.
"Wait, so you have a crush on Beatrix?" Sadie said.
"Oh, I'm going to get you," Hayden said.
"Woah, buddy, slow down." Sadie said, holding him back. Sometimes Hayden really got out of control with his crush. He just needs to tell her, Sadie thought.
"Beatrix, I've been meaning to tell you something." Hayden said. Sadie's mind starting going happy, he was finally going to tell her.
"I have had these feelings for almost seven years now." Hayden said again.
"What are those feelings Hayden?" Beatrix asked.
"Beatrix, I have possibly the strongest and biggest crush on you for seven years." Hayden spit out.
"Hayden, I don't know what to say." Beatrix said, shell shocked.
"Please don't let this make things awkward if you don't feel the same way, if you don't like me in that way, I understand. It would still be an honor to continue being your best friend." Hayden said.
"I guess I sort of like you too, but I'm not sure. Give me time." Beatrix said.
"I completely understand." Hayden said. Sadie's mind did a little happy dance. Yes! She thought, they are going to be the perfect couple! That is, as long as Shian doesn't get in the way.
Just as that conversation finished, the four saw the castle on a giant clearing, ten feet in front of them.