บททั้งหมดของ The Whispers in the Woods: บทที่ 121 - บทที่ 130

As the tunnel began to darken, the last remnants of daylight filtered through the water, gradually giving way to shadows that enveloped me. I fished my phone out of my pocket, its screen illuminating the surroundings with a pale glow. Half using it as a flashlight to guide my path, I also took a moment to shoot a quick message to Cassie, hoping she would reply soon. The darkness around me seemed to press in closer, making the light from my phone all the more precious as I cautiously ventured deeper into the unknown.Esme: I need to see you now. Meet me at the edge of the woods, nearest the university.I didn’t know if she would even reply, let alone agree to meet me, but I felt compelled to try. Sitting back and watching a disaster unfold was not an option I could entertain. As I ventured deeper into the darkness, I encountered a fork in the tunnel and cursed myself for not being honest with Jackson. I knew that honesty would have been the best approach, but fear had c

Unfortunately, alone time wasn’t something I was going to get. As soon as I stepped through the door, I was met by Gerald, who sat there, his expression mirroring the misery I felt inside. His shoulders slumped as if the weight of the world rested upon them, and the shadows beneath his eyes hinted at sleepless nights spent worrying.There was no other option than to shove my feelings down as deep as they would go, burying them beneath layers of resolve and determination. I had to concentrate on business. Brodie had been away from camp for far too long, searching for me, and I knew he hadn’t managed to catch up on everything he had missed during his absence. His commitment to keeping our mission on track was unwavering, and now it was my turn to step up and take charge.“Brodie said we had work to do,” I stated, forcing a steady tone into my voice as I crossed the threshold.“Are you sure you’re okay to get into this?” Gerald’s eyebrows rising slightly at the not

Cassie agreed to help, but I was uncertain about what truly motivated her decision. To ensure our safety and perhaps to stimulate some encouragement for Cassie, I arranged for Tyler to accompany us. As I had been discussing our plans with Cassie, Tyler had arrived, and I witnessed the way Cassie's face illuminated the moment he showed up. The spark in her eyes was unmistakable. Given everything else I had observed, I felt increasingly convinced that there was a genuine connection—perhaps even feelings—between the two of them.We set off without hesitation, leaving the confines of the camp behind us as we made our way to the university. The decision had been Cassie's; she was determined to investigate Rachelle's locker in hopes of uncovering clues that might lead us to her whereabouts. The thought of unearthing something that could shed light on her disappearance filled the air with an electric anticipation.Cassie believed that locating any of Rachelle's belongings tha

Everything that happened next unfolded like a series of unbelievable events, one after another. The little red boat crashed against the rocky coast, and despite its sturdy exterior, it stood little chance against the relentless forces of nature. The violent impact hurled me towards the direction the wave had come from, as if the ocean itself was punishing me for attempting to escape its grasp. My stomach collided with the edge of the boat, leaving me momentarily suspended over the stormy sea below. There was something almost enchanting about the tumultuous waters, and I found myself unable to tear my gaze away from its murky depths, where shadows danced and secrets lay hidden.I couldn’t hear anything beyond the howling wind and the bone-jarring grind of the boat against the jagged cliffs. Suddenly, the vessel lurched away from the coast, tilting dangerously and nearly pitching me overboard in the process. I grasped the side with all my strength, waiting for it to steady itse

The deep howl emanating from within the lighthouse suggested that Tyler had discovered something significant. I sprang to my feet far too quickly, and my head spun from the sudden movement. The noise had jolted me out of my half-sleep. Cassie and I exchanged anxious glances, both of us straining to locate the source of the commotion. There was a cacophony of banging and scuffling reverberating in the air.“You go, Cassie. She’s more likely to listen to you. I’ll follow, but I move slower than you do.” Cassie didn’t need to be told twice; she dashed inside, morphing as she leapt over the wall.I followed, but with the state of my arm, getting over the wall took too long. I could hear them talking as I approached the broken door. “He’s locked up, he doesn’t deserve that.” Cassie was pleading Brodie’s case. They hadn’t seen me and I purposely slowed down. The longer Cassie had to convince Rachelle without me being there, the more likely she was to amenable to returning ho