Page 68 of Wreckage

She devoured her portion, and we let her. I even gave her some of mine. Troy gave me a knowing look and spooned a bit of meat from his plate onto mine so we’d both get equal portions.

She needed it more than we did.

Troy and I exchanged a silent look before digging into our food.

For the first time in days, my stomach felt full.

Hope felt real and not a fleeting thought.

Troyand I moved toward the traps. The sun struggled to break through the thick clouds, casting everything in a dull gray haze.

“We’ll replace the granola in the fourth cage and set them back up,” I murmured, adjusting my gloves.

Troy nodded. “Things are looking up.”

I glanced at him, raising a brow. “You almost sound optimistic.”

He exhaled, then turned to face me, his expression serious.

“I’ve been thinking,” he admitted.

I tensed. “That’s dangerous.”

He snorted. “I want to go for a walk.”

I frowned. “Troy?—”

“Just to see if I can get past the trees. Get a vantage point.”

My stomach tightened.

“That’s dangerous,” I said, echoing my earlier words. “What if you get lost or attacked by a fucking wild animal? Or hurt?” The list of possibilities flooded my mind.

Troy sighed, tugging his hat down firmer on his head. “Things are good right now, Adrian. But that doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way. It’s one day. I want more of them.”

I hesitated.

He had a point. It didn’t make me any less uneasy.

Finally, reluctantly, I nodded. He was right. We had to try.

“Fine. But be careful.” I held my pinky out to him.

Troy grinned and hooked his pinky with mine. “Always.”

We stepped backinto the plane to find Elena waiting.

She sat on the raft, worry evident in her eyes, and when she saw Troy grab his backpack, her brows furrowed.

Troy walked to her immediately, crouching in front of her as I took his bag from him.

“I’m going to check things out,” he said gently. “Just to get an idea of what’s out there.”

Elena’s frown deepened. “Troy?—”

He cupped her face, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before pulling back.

“I’ll be back soon,” he promised.

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