Chapter 109
The walk with Angela was quiet—uncomfortably so. I wasn’t exactly sure what to say to her, and I could tell she felt the same. The sounds of the forest filled the silence between us, from the soft crunch of leaves beneath our boots to the distant chirping of birds. I kept my eyes ahead, hoping that we’d run into something—anything—so I wouldn’t have to deal with this awkwardness for much longer.
Finally, after what felt like ages, Angela broke the silence.
"So... Cypher," she started hesitantly, her voice soft. "You think he’s okay?"
I glanced at her, surprised she brought it up. "He’s the MC," I joked half-heartedly, using the term that only made sense to me. "I’m sure he’s fine."
Angela chuckled lightly, though the worry in her eyes didn’t fade. "Yeah, I guess you’re right," she said, though her tone was still uncertain. "I just can’t stop thinking about him. He... he’s always there when I need him, and now he’s the one missing."
I didn’t respond immediately, unsure how to approach this conversation. Angela’s feelings for Cypher were obvious and I had my own reasons for wanting to find him, but getting into that now felt... complicated.
"Yeah," I finally muttered. "He’ll probably show up at the last minute and save the day. That’s what he does, right?"
Angela smiled faintly, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I hope so," she murmured, kicking a stray rock on the path.
I sighed inwardly after Angela’s words, but soon the silence fell between us again. Just when I thought we’d be stuck in this awkward walk for the rest of the trip, a faint noise caught my attention. My ears perked up. It was subtle at first—rustling leaves, distant movement—but then I heard it clearly: a groan.
My heart skipped a beat, adrenaline rushing through my veins. ’Could it be...?’
I immediately turned to Angela, eyes wide. "Angela, try to catch up with me," I said, my voice low but urgent.