Chapter 22

Author Noticing Xander's suspicious glance, Lorelei quickly rose to her feet and approached the area between two towering pine trees. "Come help me with this," she beckoned, her voice carrying a natural authority. Jinny rubbed her hands together eagerly, rolling up her sleeves to reveal slender, pale forearms. "Let's do this!" Susan set down her belongings and followed close behind, her usually timid demeanor giving way to curiosity. With practiced precision, Lorelei drew her hunting knife and began clearing away undergrowth to reveal two massive boulders. Her movements were fluid and confident, betraying years of wilderness survival training. "We need to move these rocks," she said quietly. Xander stepped forward without hesitation. "Let me try." He crouched beside the boulder, testing its weight with a firm grip. His muscles tensed as he pushed—but the stone didn't budge. After a beat, he exhaled and looked toward Lorelei. “It's heavier than it looks. Might need more than brute stre