CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

Chelsea

Chelsea watched River disappear into the distance, promising to reunite and take a group selfie once they found their friends. But as he trudged up the steps to the house, his mind lingered on the mysterious woman who'd dragged Arc away. Why had Arc seemed so complacent, almost familiar with her? The memory nagged at Chelsea, and his unease grew as he heard a loud, angry shout erupt from within the house.

As Chelsea reached the top step, the shout grew louder, and he could make out words:

"I don't care who has a say, just get that thing out of here!" The voice was unfamiliar, so the venom in it sent a shiver down Chelsea's spine. He hesitated, wondering if he should enter the house or wait for River's return. The promise of a selfie seemed trivial now, replaced by a sense of foreboding.

But since Arc was inside, Chelsea didn't hesitate before pushing the door open. Another angry voice responded to the first, and Chelsea w