Chapter 84: Shared Confessions Anna’s POV

Long after the final lamp was out, the tension from the event continued to permeate the atmosphere. Crescent Grove, which had previously been a place of warmth and joy, now seemed to be a clock that was ticking away until our ultimate discovery. The tales of Oliver's destruction had taken hold of my mind and pulled it into a downward spiral of fear.

I sat on the cot's edge and looked at the dim light coming in through the cabin wall's crevices. Lucas moved sharply and agitatedly as he strode close to the door. Neither of us dared to break the thick quiet between us.

At last, I was unable to handle it any longer.

"Stop moving around, Lucas. You're giving me worry."

He paused, his hand on a chair's back. "Anna, you're already nervous. Don't hold me responsible for what already exists."

His tone made me cringe, but I didn't strike back. Rather, I grounded myself by tightly clasping my hands. I admitted, "It's not just the festival, the scouts, or even the rumors about Oliver." "It's important. We seem to be waiting for the earth to fall beneath us with each step we take here."

Lucas's look softened as he turned to face me. "You're not wrong."

His comments felt like a kick to the stomach. Even foolishly, I had hoped he would brush off my fears and tell me I was overanalyzing the situation. Rather, his agreement merely reaffirmed the gravity of our situation.

I replied in a voice that was almost audible above a whisper, "You've been thinking the same thing."

After removing the chair and taking a seat across from me, he nodded. "Anna, ever since we arrived here. Despite their seeming kindness, this group is keeping an eye on us. Darius is watching us. The cracks in our story will finally be revealed."

With the back of my throat burning, I took a deep gulp. "So, what should we do?"

Lucas paused, his gaze darting to the door as though he thought someone could suddenly burst through. "We depart."

“Go?” Before I could stop myself, the word left my lips. "Just like that? Lucas, it will look suspicious if we flee right away. After they follow us, what will happen? Take them straight to Oliver's route of conflict?"

With a strong tone, he stated, "I'm not suggesting we leave tonight. But we must have a plan. An real one. While I train with the warriors, I have started charting the nearby terrain. We might have a shot if we can sneak out at a shift change on a less-traveled road to the north."

I felt sick to my stomach at the thought of running again. What would happen if we were discovered? "Lucas, Darius won't just let us go. He is too clever for that."

Lucas put his arms on his knees and leaned forward. "Do you think I'm trustworthy?"

It was a shocking question. I started to reply but stopped myself. Was I right to trust him? How could I not, given everything we'd gone through and all the times he'd put himself in danger for me? Nevertheless, a tiny part of me continued to hold doubts.

"I... I'm not sure," I said.

Lucas's jaw tensed, but he stayed motionless. After a while, he replied, "That's fair. But Anna, you have to make a choice. Because we must be in agreement if we are to bear this."

My nails were pushing into my palms as I glanced down at my hands. My voice was shaking as I replied, "I don't want to go back to running. Lucas, I'm sick of it. I'm sick of constantly worrying about whether the next person I see will be trying to murder me. For once, I just want to feel safe."

He reached out and put a palm over mine as his face softened. I got a chill from the warmth of his touch. "I understand," he grumbled. "And I also want that for you. But, Anna, you won't get it by staying here. It's a dream. It becomes increasingly risky the longer we remain."

Willing the tears to stay hidden, I closed my eyes. "Do you think that he is truly close? I mean, Oliver."

After hesitating, Lucas replied. "According to the rumors, he is moving quickly. He will finally arrive in Crescent Grove if that is the case."

I jerked my hand away and wrapped my arms around myself as a chill went through me. "Lucas, what does he want with me? Why is he unable to simply leave me alone?"

He said, in an irritated tone, "I don't know. But it's not good, whatever it is. We must thus continue to beat him."

The following hush was oppressive. With no clear route out, I felt as though I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty.

"What if I am unable to do this?" With trouble, I said the words in a whisper. "What if my strength is insufficient?"

Lucas looked right into my eyes. "Anna, you underestimate your strength. You've made it this far, haven't you?"

"Hardly."

He retorted, "Barely is still living. Additionally, you are no longer alone. We'll work together to solve this."

I believed him for the first time in what seemed like a lifetime.

The weight of our predicament remained, but the tension in the room somewhat subsided. I came to a realization that night as I lay down and listened to the forest's soft hum outside.

I had faith in Lucas.

And more than anything else, that scared me.