Page 29 of They Will Fall

The sound of the trapdoor closing is what I assume nails in a coffin would be like.

“Riley!!! Riley!!!”

I twist my wrists, not caring if they break, because I would lose limbs to save that girl. She just walked into an inferno and has no idea she’s about to be burned.

CHAPTER11

RILEY

As soon asthe sun kisses my skin, guilt hits me like a tidal wave. I meant what I said to Maddox, I do love him. If there was any other way, I wouldn’t be out here alone right now. Lord knows, I don’t want to be alone. In fact, I’m downright petrified.

Dry leaves coated in flakes of snow crunch beneath my boots. Fortunately, it’s nothing but a light dusting, although the scenery is deceiving. I have no doubt the temperature is below freezing. My footprints trail behind me as I walk, making my anxiety skyrocket as I try to think up a plan. Thankfully, when I look up at the mountains, a thick haze covers the peak, a sure sign more snow is coming. Soon my tracks will be covered. I just need to get word out so someone will come for Maddox, while I put space between us.

Reaching into the inside pocket of the coat I’m wearing, I retrieve the phone Scar gave me. My feet don’t stop moving as I power it on.

No serviceis centered across the screen and I sigh heavily. I should’ve known I wouldn’t have a signal out here.

It’s okay. Everything is fine. I just need to get within reach of a tower.

And I know just where to go.

There’s strength deep inside me,

Though it hides itself well.

Refusing to be conquered,

I’ll give them all hell.

It’s been a while since I’ve walked the path I’m on, but if memory serves me right, it should take me straight to Boulder Cove Academy—the place where it all began.

Chills skate down my spine, and it’s not due to the chill in the air. Memories of when Scar’s guys had Jude—who actually turned out to be Scar’s brother—tied up in the same room I just escaped from. During his short stay down there, I’d bring him food and water, and just keep him company. I was convinced he was innocent, and I was correct.

Turns out, Jude wasn’t the one terrorizing the students at BCA. It was the governor all along. The day he died plays in my head like a movie set in slow motion. Not as much as it used to, but every now and then, it rewinds and plays again.

I thought those were the worst days of my life, but I was wrong. I’m currently living my worst days and I have an awful feeling there is still more room to fall before it starts to get better.

As I trek farther into the deep forest, I can’t shake the sense that someone is watching me. Every few seconds, a branch snaps, a leaf crunches, or an animal scurries away, but the looming presence never seems to fade.

Suddenly, the air is chillingly still. Goosebumps prick at the back of my neck, and I move slower, straining to hear any sound that’s not my own.

The unexpected pop of a branch, or something like it, has my movements freezing. I hold my breath, until I can’t hold it any longer, and I’m forced to exhale. My heart gallops in my chest and I fear the sound of it rattling against my rib cage is going to draw attention to me.

When silence engulfs me, I stretch my neck out, peering around the tree I’m standing behind.

My entire body jolts and I press my back firmly to the bark, while locking all of my limbs in fear.

I should’ve just stayed with Maddox. Why the hell am I so damn stubborn all the time? I’m not built for this shit. I’m afraid of my own damn shadow, yet I embark on a journey through the woods when I know the sun will likely set before I even make it to my destination.

The phone!

I’ve only made it about a hundred and twenty yards, but it’s closer than I was when I last checked.

A quick glance at the phone shows that I’m still too far out. I stick it back in my pocket and take a deep breath before walking again, very slowly. Practically tiptoeing.

If I want to get out of these woods before the sun sets, I need to move faster.

I’m fine. No one is out here. It was probably just a squirrel.

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