Chapter 34

Elsie turned him down flat. “No need.” William moved ahead to lead the way, with Elsie following silently just behind. It was eerily quiet all around. Every step crunched on damp earth and fallen twigs. The flashlight could only push the darkness back a little. Everything beyond felt like it might close in at any second. Not long after, something jabbed William in the lower back. He turned around to see Elsie’s face all pretty but gloomy, lips pressed tight, not saying a word as she shoved the hiking pole toward him. William couldn’t help it—he chuckled. Elsie’s lips thinned even more, and her ears turned pink from embarrassment. “What’s so funny?” It was clearly his fault things got awkward in the first place. “Okay, okay, no laughing,” William gave in quickly. “You’re too proud to admit things and hold grudges like crazy. I laugh once and I’m probably on your blacklist for the next decade.” He smiled as he said it, even though he was trying to act all sincere. His eyes still held a t