The patch of forest became so hollow it was nearly surreal after the deer vanished. No more sound of hooves, no more crashing branches, not even the chirp of birds, as though the forest itself was waiting to see how this group of humans would react after letting their prey slip through their fingers so mercilessly.
Lucas remained rooted in place, his right heel off-balance, eyes staring at the ground where the piece of rotten wood had snapped. He couldn’t speak, not from fear, but because he knew, in that moment, there was no excuse to offer. Kaela stood beside him, saying nothing, but her silence carried more weight than any rebuke.
Stella was the first to step out of hiding, her hand still gripping the wooden stake though she had no intention of using it. Her eyes swept briefly around
