#Chapter 119: The Treehouse

Ella The rain was cold and heavy. Within seconds, we were both completely soaked. Alexander grabbed my hand. “Come on, we need to get inside.” We scrambled to pack up the picnic as fast as we could, but it was useless. The rain was coming down so hard I could barely see two feet in front of me. Alexander shoved the soggy sandwiches and wet blankets into the basket while I tried to gather the sopping wet candles. “Leave it,” Alexander said, taking my arm. “We’ll come back for the rest tomorrow.” We took off running toward the mansion, but the forest floor was already turning into a mess of wet leaves and mud. My shoes had zero traction—I had foolishly chosen style over practicality—and before we made it far, my ankle twisted in the mud. I went down with a cry. Pain shot up my leg, momentarily blinding me. “Ella!” Alexander was beside me in an instant. “Are you hurt?” “My ankle.” I tried to stand and immediately sat back down with a hiss of