A headache bloomed behind Ethan's eyes the moment he heard Markham's voice over the comms.
How could Maria be so hopeless with directions?
Anxiety knotted in his gut. He hadn't known about this particular weakness of hers, and if he had, he never would have let her join. What good was a guide who couldn't find her way?
"Don't worry. I've learned how to read maps!" came Dragon Child's voice.
Ethan's shoulders eased, though a sliver of doubt stayed lodged in his chest. "You're sure you can read it?"
A confident "Hmph" echoed in his ear.
"Sister Dragon can read it," Maria said in a mortified rush. Her voice crackled with static and shame. "This… this was… she… she's the one who found this place!"
Ethan dragged a hand down his face and gave up on words.
