Chapter 48

Lorelei I didn't linger, pressing forward as ominous storm clouds gathered overhead. Without GPS, I relied on tracking my own footprints back along the path I'd created earlier. As twilight descended and shadows lengthened across the forest floor, I spotted movement in the distance—my group had set up camp. "Should we go looking for her? I can't wait any longer," Jinny's anxious voice carried through the trees as I approached silently. Several hours had passed since I'd left them, and her panic was evident in her restless movements. "What did you say?" Susan whispered, concern etching her features. Xander's deep voice responded, "Let's give her ten more minutes. If she doesn't return by then, we'll call for help." Frustration clear in her movements, Jinny marched forward and grabbed the pheasant they'd caught, aggressively plucking its feathers. When she turned around and saw me standing silently behind her, she let out a startled shriek and stumbled backward, still clutching the bird.