Lucas held a stone spear and turned to Stella: “Come with me. We might come across another one along the way.”
Stella gave a slight nod, tying a vine around her waist to make it easier to carry any catch they might have. Lucy and Mary also prepared bark pouches for carrying game, their eyes still fixed on the stretch of forest ahead as though afraid of missing any sign of trouble.
Ethan stepped back a pace, leaning on the spear shaft for balance. His body felt as heavy as if weighed down by stone, every muscle in his shoulders and back tense after a day of digging, staking, and hauling rocks. He glanced toward the shelter, then spoke quietly: “Go on ahead. I’ll take the chance to get some sleep. I’ll still be up tonight.”
Lucas frowned: “You sure? What if something happens while we’re g
