Chapter 1115
They skidded down the slope, leaping over rocks and broken limbs. Behind them, laughter echoed, too synchronized to be real. Jude dared a glance back and saw them at the ridge, silhouetted by moonlight. Not giving chase. Watching.
"They’re letting us go," Sophie gasped.
"They want us to think we escaped," Jude said. "This is a game to them now."
When they finally slowed, heartbeats thundering, Sophie collapsed beside a fallen log. Jude dropped beside her, arms braced on his knees.
"I can’t believe Stella’s gone too," she whispered. "I thought, "
"She lasted longer than most," he said. "But it’s not over."
"She kissed me earlier today," Sophie said softly. "It felt... real."
Jude closed his eyes. "Maybe some part of them is still in there. That’s why this hurts so much."
They sat in silence, the jungle humming around them.
And then a new sound broke through the night.
Footsteps.