Page 50 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“No.” Matthew's eyes adjust as he scans the forest.

“Here.” Robbie passes him a light.

“Thanks.” He flicks it on and they both hunt past the trees.

Jamie and Nathan join the party with Dennis huffing behind.

“Let’s split up?” Matthew charges.

“Nathan and I will go this way.” Jamie points his light to the path past the mossy log.

“We can head back toward the clearing.” Dennis adds.

“Where does that trail lead that forks off along the way?” Matthew asks.

“It climbs back up toward the road between our cabin and the neighbors further down.” Robbie chimes.

“I’ll go up there.” He takes off.

“Meet back here when you find him?” Dennis’ booming voice reverberates through the valley.

The night air chills his toasted skin. Sweat slicks his chest and back as his heart races to find Brendon in the dark. The tree branches arch overhead, pointing him in the direction he needs to follow. Moonlight guides along the open path and he shines the flashlight into the dense woods.

“Brendon?” His voices carries through shadows. There's still no answer.

The gurgle of the shallow waterfall spilling into the lake lets him know the fork is just ahead. He picks up his stride and jogs the incline until his chest aches for air. He swings the light back and forth along the hike until it reflects on something just off the path. He steadies the beam through a fresh garden of saplings and spots a tent, tucked discreetly between trees. He steps off the trail toward the campsite but a muffled voices further up the mountain gives him pause.

The roots jutting out of loose soil serve as stairs while the climb grows steeper. He tries to calm his thudding chest with breathing techniques Adam picked up in yoga classes. In through the nose and out through the mouth in long, slow hales.

Brendon’s voice is clear from just over the ridge. Matthew realizes the path he’s climbed butts against a drop-off into the valley as the tree tops sink to match his own height. He twists the Maglite off and steps onto the plateau.

The moon casts a pale spotlight on the arguing pair at the ridge’s peak. He was right to feel suspicious of Todd.

“Christian—I don’t know what you want me to say?” Brendon’s arms flail. His cheeks sheen with tears. “I can’t go back with you. I’m done.” He strokes his head with both hands, at wits end with frustration.

“I’m not leaving without you.” Christian steps toward him.

Brendon’s back is against a tree. “Being with you has fucking ruined me,” he growls through grit teeth. The agony in his cry is heart wrenching.

“We’ll fix it.” Christian’s plea is empty.

“No!” Brendon cries. “I’m done with you.” His expression turns cold.

Christian stomps forward and vice grips his shoulders. Slamming Brendon against the bark.

The pained yelp that escapes his throat carries across the ridge and hauls Matthew into the battle.

“That’s enough!” His voice booms over the valley.

Christian's head whips around and his eyes pierce the dark.

Matthew storms ahead. “Take your fucking hands off him.” The yelp rings through his mind and his chest is thudding again.

“Matthew—No!” Brendon squeals.

“This is none of your business, Matthew.” Christian snarls.

“Go back to the cabin.” Brendon begs.

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