I pushed my way through the thick vines until one snapped back and smacked me in the face.
"Ow!" I muttered, rubbing my cheek.
Then something caught my eye, a flash of purple on a branch. My breath hitched. A ribbon. I reached for it and my heart pounded… it was Lily's.
"So… Lily and the others were out here."
Questions ran through my mind. Why were they in the forest? Why wasn't I with them? I carefully tucked the ribbon into the cloak's pocket. Lily… did you leave this on purpose, or was it an accident? Either way, at least I knew she had been here.
I stepped forward, scanning the ground, and my eyes fell on something I never thought I'd see again, Levi's pendant, the one I had given him for his birthday. He had been here too.
I swallowed hard, hope rising in my chest. I was on the right path. Mother… Father… Lily… Levi… everyone… please don't leave me behind.
A sudden gust of wind blew through my hair. I spun around and froze. A crocodile, stealthy and silent, walking towards me.
I screamed and bolted. My speed was limited, but thankfully, the crocodile was slower than me. My heart pounded as I ran, adrenaline pushing me forward, until a horrifying sight stopped me in my tracks.
"Oh no."
My feet dangled over the edge of a swamp, and I realized I wasn't alone; dozens of crocodiles lurked beneath, eyes glowing in the dim light. I took a cautious step back, my mind racing. The only way forward was through the swamp… but how?
I scanned the area. Rocks formed in the murky water. I could hop across, if I was lucky. But if I slipped… I wouldn't get a second chance. My eyes searched again and caught sight of vines dangling from the trees. Maybe… maybe I could swing across.
Climbing quickly, I grabbed the vines and tied them securely to a strong branch. I tugged and tested the rope, feeling the tension hold against my weight.
"Please work," I whispered.
Taking a deep breath, I wrapped my hands around the vines and swung across the swamp.
"Ahhh!" I screamed, letting go at the right moment and landing hard on the muddy floor. My knees shook, but I had made it. I looked back it worked.
I ran as fast as I could, leaving the swamp behind. That's when something caught my eye on the ground. A small, familiar device.
"Mom's phone." My chest tightened. It was dirty, cracked, and completely dead.
"Damn." I slipped it into my pocket and pushed forward, leaving the forest behind.
Ahead, the path opened up.
"Almost to Lunaris." I muttered.