(Michelle Lui's POV)
The left trail was narrower than expected.
At first it looked manageable — compact dirt, scattered roots, still enough space for single-file walking. But the deeper we went, the more the path wound like a lazy snake, curling around clusters of trees, branching unexpectedly here and there.
Andy walked at the front with Jeff once again checking the map.
Behind them:
Kate and Lara.
Then me.
Behind me:
Jasmine…
Anthony…
And lastly — Steven, walking with that quiet, steady rhythm of his.
Everything should have been fine.
But the deeper we went, the more chatter faded, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the whisper of wind weaving through branches.
And then—
"Guys, wait!" Vince called from somewhere near the middle. "My shoelace is trying to kill me again!"
A pause.
Andy sighed dramatically. "We'll wait — hurry up!"
