Twenty days had passed since the news of Nate's death spread through the survivors. That sa day, they had left the beach, abandoning the familiar shores for a safer haven deep within the forest. They found refuge in a massive cave, hidden by layers of thick foliage and jagged rocks. The entrance was nearly invisible to the untrained eye, ensuring their security.
Thanks to their elental powers, the survivors transford the cave into a livable shelter. They carved out individual rooms, offering each person a sense of privacy. Ryder used his strength and precision to break apart boulders and form sturdy walls, while others used their abilities to enhance the space. They even created light sources by capturing glowing insects from the cave's depths and placing them inside transparent containers made from smoothed-out rock and resin.
Beds were crafted from the forest's resources. Madison teleported to nearby areas to collect large leaves, vines, and soft moss, while Alice froze and shaped tree trunks into wooden fras. Liam used his earth manipulation to stabilize the structures, ensuring they wouldn't collapse under the weight of the bedding materials. The result was surprisingly comfortable, a testant to their resourcefulness.
Despite their progress, the mood among the group was somber. The mory of Nate lingered heavily, his absence felt in every corner of their new ho.
Outside the cave, Bella and Ryder were preparing to hunt for food. Bella carried a makeshift bow crafted from flexible tree branches and string-like vines, while Ryder adjusted the rock-tipped spear in his hand.
As they walked through the forest, Bella glanced up at a towering tree nearby. Perched high above the ground, on one of its highest branches, was Madison. She sat there as she had every day for the past twenty days, her legs dangling over the edge, her gaze distant.
Only she could reach such a height, using her teleportation ability to appear effortlessly on the branch. It had beco her sanctuary, a place where no one could disturb her. But the toll of her grief was evident.
Her once-bright eyes were now shadowed, dark circles framing them. Her hair was unkempt, falling in wild strands over her face, and her complexion had lost its forr glow. She was a shadow of her forr self, drained by sorrow and guilt.
Bella sighed, her heart heavy as she looked up at Madison. "She's... not doing well," she murmured to Ryder.
Ryder followed Bella's gaze, his expression somber. "Yeah," he agreed.
"How close were they, anyway?" Bella asked softly, glancing at Ryder.
He shook his head. "I don't know for sure," he admitted. "But they were always together. Nate was the only person Madison stuck to. She never really opened up to anyone else."
Bella frowned, her eyes lingering on Madison. "It must be so hard for her," she whispered.
As if sensing their conversation, Madison suddenly looked down from her perch. Her empty, dark eyes locked onto theirs, and in an instant, she disappeared. A second later, she reappeared directly in front of them, startling Bella slightly.
"Where are you going?" Madison asked, her voice quiet but firm.
Bella and Ryder exchanged a glance before Ryder answered, "We're going hunting. We need to restock our food supplies."
Madison's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm coming with you," she said flatly, her tone leaving no room for argunt.
Bella hesitated, noting the determination in Madison's eyes despite the weariness on her face. She glanced at Ryder, who gave a slight nod.
"Alright," Bella said gently. "You can co with us."
Madison gave a small nod after Bella agreed she could follow them. The three of them began walking deeper into the forest, the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above.
Suddenly, Bella stopped in her tracks. Her body went rigid, and her breathing beca shallow. Ryder noticed first. "What's wrong?" he asked, stepping closer to her.
Bella didn't reply. Instead, her eyes rolled back, and her irises turned completely white. Before anyone could react, her legs buckled beneath her.
"Bella!" Ryder shouted, rushing forward.
But Madison was quicker. In a flash, she teleported to Bella's side and caught her before she hit the ground. Without wasting a second, she looked at Ryder. "et at the d bay!" she commanded before disappearing with Bella in her arms.
The teleportation landed them in a small room carved out in the depths of the cave, their makeshift dical center. Evelyn, who was currently on shift, looked up in surprise as Madison appeared.
"What happened?" Evelyn asked, rushing over.
Madison carefully placed Bella on the cot, her voice tense. "We were just going hunting. She stopped walking, and her eyes turned white... then she collapsed."
Evelyn nodded quickly, leaning over Bella to assess her condition. She felt for a pulse and checked her breathing. Madison stood at the foot of the cot, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her mind racing.
"She's unresponsive," Evelyn muttered, frowning.
Before Madison could respond, Bella's body began to shake violently. Her limbs twitched uncontrollably, and her head jerked from side to side. The suddenness of it startled Madison, but she imdiately moved closer.
"What's happening?" Ryder's voice bood as he stord into the room, panting slightly from the sprint back to the cave.
Neither Madison nor Evelyn answered him, too focused on Bella. Her convulsions were growing stronger, her entire body trembling as if it was being overwheld by sothing unseen.
"Hold her down!" Evelyn shouted. Madison moved without hesitation, sitting on the edge of the cot and gripping Bella's shoulders to stabilize her. Ryder stood frozen in the doorway, his fists clenched at his sides as he watched helplessly.
Then, just as suddenly as it had started, the shaking stopped. Bella's eyes flew open, wide and glassy, and she gasped as though coming up for air after being subrged. Her hand shot out and grabbed Madison's arm in a vice-like grip.
"Bella! What's wrong?" Madison asked, her voice soft but urgent.
Bella didn't respond at first. Her breathing was erratic, her chest heaving as if she'd been running for miles. Her hand trembled against Madison's arm.
"It's okay," Madison murmured, sitting behind Bella and wrapping her arms around her to steady her. "You're safe. Whatever it is, you're safe."
Bella slowly began to calm under Madison's comforting hold. Her breathing evened out, and the tension in her body eased. Evelyn stood by, her face etched with concern, while Ryder remained rooted to his spot, watching the scene unfold.
When Bella finally looked up, her eyes locked with Madison's. There was a clarity in her gaze now, but also a deep sense of urgency.
"Nate..." Bella's voice was barely above a whisper.
Madison frowned. "What about Nate?"
Bella swallowed hard, her hand still clutching Madison's arm. She leaned in slightly, her voice trembling as she spoke the words that would change everything.
"Nate is alive."
Madison froze. Her entire body went still as the words registered.
Reviews
All reviews (0)