Chapter 26

I peer around the trunk more, hoping to catch a glimpse of these faceless, and nameless, men. I make the fatal mistake of taking a step forward, when I do, a loud crunch sounds under my boot. Immediately, one the men look in my direction. I'm quick to jolt back and press myself against the tree. My nails dig into the bark. I don't even register the pain. I can't. I'm too panicked. Too scared. "Did you hear something?" A gruff voice asks, and I don't need to look to know his eyes are scanning the forest right now. Probably just waiting for me to pop out. I squeeze my eyes shut, my breathing comes in heavier. This is it, I think, This is how I'm gonna die. "No, why?" Another voice replies. "I heard something. And saw something." My blood pounds so hard that I can't even hear their words anymore. My heart thumps so incredibly fast that I'm afraid it'll pop right out of my freaking chest. I try to pi