The forest no longer felt vast in the way it once had. It felt heavy.
Fletcher's group moved through the trees like shadows worn thin—steps slower, shoulders slumped, breaths shallow. Hunger had dulled their strength, exhaustion had carved itself into their faces, and even fear had settled into something quieter, more dangerous: resignation.
At the front, Malik walked with a broken stick in one hand, dragging it lightly through the damp soil as he sketched crude lines and symbols. Darren stayed beside him, eyes sharp, scanning ahead while Malik muttered distances under his breath.
"We've been drifting east for a while," Malik said softly, crouching to add a crooked marking. "The terrain slopes here—see the moss? That means water nearby. Or… it did."
Darren nodded. "You're doing good. Even if it's rough, a map is still hope."
Malik hesitated, then straightened. His voice grew quieter, more personal.
"You know… Hunter used to laugh at stuff like this. Said brains were useless if you couldn't swing your fists." He smiled faintly. "But back then, he listened anyway. I keep thinking—if they're still out there, I hope they've found a way. Or at least somewhere safe."
Darren exhaled slowly. "Hunter's rough. Always has been. But he's tough too. That kind of toughness doesn't break easy."
Malik nodded, though worry lingered in his eyes. "I just wish none of us had to find out."
Behind them, Naledi walked between Sienna and Estrella, arms wrapped around herself against the growing cold. The forest whispered around them—leaves brushing, unseen things moving just out of sight.
Sienna swallowed, fingers twisting together. "Naledi… there's something I should've told you a long time ago."
Naledi glanced sideways, already knowing. "Is this about Camila?"
Sienna froze. "You… you knew?"
Naledi gave a small, sad smile. "We've been friends for years, Sienna. It wasn't exactly subtle." Then, lighter, teasing despite everything, she added, "Especially after what you two were doing before you screamed loud enough to wake the forest."
Sienna flushed, then laughed weakly before the sound died in her throat. "I loved her. Not like a friend. I still do."
Naledi squeezed her hand. "I know. And loving someone like that isn't wrong." Her tone softened. "This place just doesn't forgive honesty."
Silence followed them after that—thick, reflective, broken only when Darren suddenly raised his fist.
"Everyone—stop."
They gathered, breaths fogging as they stared ahead.
The cave loomed like a wound torn into the earth.
Its mouth was vast, jagged stone framing darkness that swallowed the light whole. Stalactites hung like broken teeth, slick with moisture. Cold air poured from within, carrying the scent of damp stone and something older—something that hadn't felt footsteps in years.
Darren studied it carefully. "I'll go first."
Fletcher stepped forward immediately. "I'm coming with you."
Darren shook his head. "No. I need you here. If I don't come back, they'll need you."
After a tense pause, Fletcher nodded. "Don't take long."
Night settled quickly once Darren vanished into the cave. The temperature dropped, wind threading through the trees like fingers of ice. They tried to start a fire—sticks snapping uselessly, sparks dying before they lived.
Malik suddenly straightened. "Wait. I might have something."
He knelt, pulling items from his bag—scraped metal, a chemical compound from their lab kits.
"If potassium chlorate is heated and combined with friction," he explained, voice steady despite shaking hands, "it releases oxygen rapidly. Enough heat, enough spark—"
He struck.
Flame bloomed.
Cheers erupted as warmth washed over them. They gathered close, forming a circle. Briony and Ji Ace sat on either side of Fletcher; Eli beside Ace, Naledi leaning unexpectedly into his shoulder.
Eli whispered, "Fletch… if Verena's dead… then who killed BamBam?"
Fletcher stared into the fire. "I've asked myself the same thing." His jaw tightened. "If it's one of us… we're already dead."
Before Eli could answer, footsteps echoed.
Darren emerged from the trees, shoulders squared beneath the weight of a bush antelope.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then chaos—questions, disbelief, laughter through tears.
"In the cave," Darren said, grinning. "Got stuck in a branch. Did the rest."
Relief washed over them. Food. Shelter.
As they worked, Estrella smirked at Briony. "You even know how to hold a knife?"
Briony lifted her chin. "I grew up in kitchens. I can cook better than you talk."
Laughter broke the tension as they prepared the meal together.
---
Ashfall Academy
Mr. Hogswart sat with his face buried in his hands when the door opened.
A tall man stepped inside—white hair, emerald eyes, authority woven into every movement. Behind him stood eight men: guards, warriors… and a younger man who burned with fury.
"Why is my daughter missing?" the man demanded.
His son slammed a fist into the wall. "Bring her back. Now."
The King raised a hand. "Enough." Then, to Hogswart, "We will act."
"My plan already stands," Hogswart replied. "A search party of four. With your son and his guards—it becomes ten."
The King nodded once. "Prince Eden Snowhart will lead."
Without another word, he turned and stormed out.
Far away, in the forest, the fire crackled—unaware that rescue had finally begun.