Chapter 9 The Abyss Beckons

It was a gloomy, gray morning, the sun obscured behind a thick sheet of clouds. The group’s campsite was strangely tranquil as they packed up their supplies, and they were still tense from the previous night. ” Mara turned her eyes from Alex, her head swirling with emotions she could not even begin to parse. Lila took the lead as they walked away, arms stiff with anxiety, eyes scanning the woods for threats. Alex trailed behind, registration lingering in his head: the strange trio of him, Mara, and Lila. Gideon came last, his silence thoughtful.