Total pages in book: 194
Estimated words: 187754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 939(@200wpm)___ 751(@250wpm)___ 626(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 187754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 939(@200wpm)___ 751(@250wpm)___ 626(@300wpm)
Khalil, Seth, and Thorin are already getting to me. I can feel it.
The thick fog shrouding the rest of the valley welcomes me into its deceptive fold, and soon, I can’t tell which direction I’m going. When I turn back the way I think I came, all I see is more of the gray curtain. I retreat and retrace for what feels like hours, but it just feels like I’m going in circles. Where had the fucking sky gone?
At some point, it starts snowing again, and I hear Seth’s voice in my head, followed by Khalil and Thorin’s.
“It’s cleaner for us to let you perish from exposure or the impact of falling from a cliff because you can’t see more than five feet in front of you,” Seth informs me.
“It looked pretty clear outside to me.”
“Wait a while,” Khalil snaps.
“The weather here can turn in an instant,” Thorin adds.
In conclusion, R.I.P Aurelia.
At the time, I thought those assholes were being cruel when really they were trying to save me from myself without lifting a finger to actually save me.
The snowfall has been getting heavier for hours until I can barely see my numb hand right in front of my face. The temperature has been dropping steadily, and the winds are howling. It all feels very familiar. It feels like the storm that took down my plane.
I tell myself that if I found the cabin once, I could find it again.
It’s not until I reach the edge of a frozen lake that I’m forced to face what’s become obvious by the hour.
I’m lost.
KHALIL
The camp is bustling with activity when the helicopter that picked us up from the exfil point drops us off at the edge of the encampment. All around us, the search team is rushing back and forth around and in and out of tents, either packing up or tying down equipment. It’s too early to call off the search, at least for a couple more days. It’s only first light, which we barely made because Aurelia is a distraction that’s going to get us caught.
It doesn’t matter how much I remind myself of the danger she poses, though.
We’re not. Giving. Her back.
The world could be on the cusp of total ruin, and the only way to save it would be to let Aurelia George go, and I would still let it burn. I know my brothers feel the same.
If we’re the hand, fuel, and match, she’s the friction to set it all aflame.
“What’s going on?” Thorin asks the moment we step into the command tent.
There are several tents around the camp for barracks, medical aid, supplies, armory, and food. I swear the older man scouring maps at the center of the largest one grows ten years older each day we don’t find Aurelia. Sheriff Kelly is too kind not to care as if it was his own daughter missing, and for the space of a heartbeat, I do feel guilty because we’re the reason he’s probably lying awake at night, kicking himself for not doing enough.
The blame lies with us and no one else, but for the first time, I realize it’s everyone else who will shoulder it.
“We just got word there’s a nasty squall line headed this way. I’m moving everyone into town until it passes.”
Keeping in character, I ask, “What about the search?”
“We’re going to have to call it off for a few days, son. It’s too dangerous, and we don’t need anyone else going missing or getting hurt.”
“A few days? The princess won’t last a few more days, Sheriff.”
“And if she’s dead,” I add, “her body will be buried under too much snow to ever find.”
“I know, boys. It’s a tough break, but I’m also accountable for the men and women who volunteered. They all have families who want to see them home safely, too.” When we all just glower, Sheriff Kelly sighs. “Look, I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing. I tried to radio before you left, but no one answered.”
Thorin and I share a glance, and I know we’re thinking the same thing. We had our hands too full with Aurelia to check the damn radio.
“Don’t sweat it, Sheriff. Our frozen nuts just have us a little grumpy.”
Sheriff Kelly chuckles. “Well, it’s the perfect reason to head on home then, boys. Hole up, stay warm, and find a way to pass the time. We’re going to get hammered pretty hard, but if anyone can ride it out, it’s you three.”
I’m already nodding my agreement with that plan when I notice what looks like a pile of junk stacked on one side of the tent.
“What’s this?”
“We dug those up near the crash sites and brought them here. It looks like luggage. Most of it’s destroyed, but some of it’s good. Figured America’s sweetheart would want a little comfort when we find her.”