All Chapters of Moonbound: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

By ten o'clock, the Founder's Festival was in full swing.The park was alive with music.Children darted between booths clutching balloons almost as big as they were.The smell of smoked brisket, fresh cinnamon rolls, and kettle corn drifted through the crisp mountain air.Someone had started a bluegrass band on the stage near the gazebo, and couples of every age danced together on the grass.Emily couldn't stop smiling."This is incredible."Melissa handed her a wide-brimmed conservation hat embroidered with the department's logo."Official uniform."Emily placed it on her head."How do I look?"Noah looked her up and down."Like someone who's about to answer two hundred questions."Emily laughed."I've worked with kids before.""Oh, I know.""You don't understand.""What?""They'll ask you things like..."He lowered his voice dramatically."'Can squirrels get married?'"Emily blinked."...Has someone actually asked you that?""Twice."She burst into laughter.Near the edge of the pa

By early evening, the Founder's Festival had settled into a different rhythm.The families with young children drifted home carrying prizes and cotton candy.The craft booths began packing away delicate pottery and handmade quilts.Strings of warm white lights blinked on one by one above Main Street, casting a golden glow over the sidewalks.Music floated through the square as a local folk band took the stage beneath the gazebo.The mountains surrounding Black Hollow disappeared into deep blue shadows.Emily stood near the edge of the park with a paper cup of hot cider warming her hands.She watched couples dance beneath the lights while friends laughed around picnic tables.She hadn't expected to enjoy herself this much.Her phone buzzed.One bar of service.Just enough.Mom CallingEmily smiled and answered."Hi, Mom.""There's my girl."Sarah sounded relieved."I've been trying to call all afternoon.""The festival has been crazy.""I wish I could see it."Emily slowly turned in a

For several long seconds, no one spoke.Ranger stood in the middle of the trail, chest heaving, his golden coat damp with sweat and bits of leaves clinging to his fur.He barked once.Twice.Then trotted a few steps into the darkness before looking back over his shoulder.It was obvious.He wanted them to follow.Sheriff Reeves knelt beside the old retriever, running careful hands over his shoulders and legs."No blood."One of the firefighters let out a relieved sigh."He looks okay."Kael wasn't convinced.He crouched beside the dog."Easy, buddy."Ranger immediately stopped barking.Instead, he pressed against Kael's leg, whining softly.The dog's entire body trembled.Kael gently examined the broken collar.It hadn't been cut.It hadn't worn out.It had been snapped apart by tremendous force.He looked into the forest again.Something powerful had grabbed this dog......and then let him go.That didn't make sense."What do you think happened?" Sheriff Reeves asked quietly.Kael sl

Emily didn't realize how late it was until she glanced at her watch.10:47 p.m.She looked out across Crescent Lake.The bonfire had burned down to glowing embers.Only a handful of townspeople remained, laughing quietly around the fire while children slept on blankets in their parents' laps."I should probably head home," she said.Kael nodded."You've had a long day.""I don't think I've ever walked this much in one day."He smiled."You kept up.""Barely.""I didn't hear you complain once."Emily laughed."My feet might disagree tomorrow."For a moment, neither of them moved.The lake reflected thousands of stars.Somewhere across the water, a loon called into the night.It was the kind of peaceful silence that didn't need to be filled.Emily finally smiled."Thank you."Kael looked over."For what?""For today.""For yesterday.""For...everything, really.""You've made moving here a lot easier than I expected."His expression softened."I'm glad."She hesitated before speaking aga

For a long moment, no one moved.The waterfall thundered into the crystal-clear pool below, filling the valley with a constant roar that drowned out every other sound.Mist drifted through the morning sunlight.Tiny rainbows appeared and disappeared in the spray.Kael never took his eyes off Adrian."You said there was something we needed to see.""There is."Adrian nodded toward the waterfall."Follow me."Noah looked at Kael."What do you think?"Kael answered without looking away from Adrian."I think we stay alert."Adrian smiled faintly."I would expect nothing less."The path around the pool was uneven, covered with slick stones and thick moss.As they approached the falls, the roar of the water grew louder until conversation became nearly impossible.Adrian stopped at the base of the cliff.He pointed toward the curtain of water."Behind it."Noah squinted."There's nothing there.""There is."Adrian stepped into the spray without hesitation.For a moment he disappeared complet