Chapter 109 - one hundred and Nine
Chapter One Hundred and Nine
Alicia’s POV
The next morning came too early. I barely slept, too aware of Travis on the couch across the room. Too many thoughts racing through my mind.
Everyone gathered in the main hall after breakfast. Hunting gear was laid out. Rifles. Vests. Boots.
Sophie was staying behind with Cecilia, who couldn’t walk on her injured ankle. They’d stay at the estate while the rest of us went into the forest.
Pa Wood stood at the center, holding a list. "I’ve assigned the teams. Tom and Mario. Layla and Isabella. Sasha and Travis."
I waited for my assignment, already dreading whoever I’d be paired with.
"And Malachi and Alicia."
My stomach dropped. Of course. Of course it would be him.
I looked across the room. Malachi’s expression didn’t change. He just nodded like this was fine. Like spending hours alone with me in the woods wasn’t a problem.
We geared up in silence. I pulled on boots and grabbed a rifle. Made sure I knew how to use it properly. Pa Wood had insisted we all learn years ago. Said it was important for safety.
The groups split up once we entered the forest. Each team taking a different direction. Different territory to cover.