Windsor's POV
The sun had disappeared behind the treeline, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples, yet Pauline remained nowhere to be found.
"Dinner time, everyone!" Mr. Colton's voice carried across the entire campsite. "Head over to the clearing for some hot food!"
The rich smell of grilled meat drifted through the evening air, mixing with the damp earth scent that always came before nightfall. I stayed where I was, my eyes sweeping over every cabin and shadow between the trees. All around me, students were making their way toward the clearing in small groups, their voices creating a cheerful buzz that felt completely at odds with the anxiety clawing at my chest.
Still no sign of her anywhere.
"Hey, have you seen Pauline around?" I asked a group of girls walking past.
"Nah, sorry," one of them called back without even slowing down.
My stomach twisted tighter. I spun around, ready to check another area, when I collided hard with someone's solid chest.
