#Chapter 37: Twin-size Mattress

“Get down,” Aldrich immediately ordered in a hushed voice, standing up before positioning himself in a defensive stance.

I shot a glare at him. “You don’t have to protect me,” I whispered, listening intently. There was someone out there for sure; my scent did not recognize them through the vegetation, and I couldn’t hear any breathing or voices amongst the chorus of the forest.

“I’m the war general here,” he reminded me, and barred his arm against my chest. “Stay here. I’m going out there.”

“Can you just shut up and listen for once?” I hissed, grabbing his wrist to pull him down to the floor. He reluctantly obeyed, crouching down over the dust.

His hearing was better than mine. I stared at the floor as he listened outside, holding my breath. Fear made my heart flutter tidal waves in my stomach acid. The moon was dimmer now, casting a ghostly puddle on the floor. I inched away from it.

“Whoever it is, they know we’re here, and don’t