The sky glowed golden-yellow as the sun began to set. In contrast to the calm atmosphere, the team buzzed with tension.
"What do you mean they're gone?" Orea's eyes narrowed, confusion etched across her face.
Kymani glanced at each of them. "I mean they're nowhere here. The tents are empty, and all their things are gone — not a single possession left behind."
Valtor's eyes met Orea's. Her bewildered expression mirroring his own.
"So where could they have gone?" he murmured, though he didn't expect an answer.
The quartet looked around in silence until Orea spoke. "Maybe we should search the area?"
"Wait!" Zara's sudden voice made them all turn. "What if Lynx and Rowynn went back to the barracks?" Her gaze flicked between them as Orea raised a doubtful brow.
"It's possible," Zara pressed on. "What if they were so mad about the fake escape that they decided to abort the mission — or worse, report us to the superintendent?"
"Let's not jump to conclusions, Zara," Orea said, resting her hands on her hips. Gazes darted as Valtor rose from the log, his tone steady. "We can find them the same way we spot the aliens — with our trackers. Just this time, instead of red dots, watch for green ones."
Kymani nodded, followed by the girls.
"Let's move in different directions, Valtor added. They each went their separate ways, eyes fixed on their wristbands.
...............
Valtor moved north, scanning the area. His blue eyes widened as two green dots appeared on his tracker, heading east.
"There they are…" he muttered, turning sharply and sprinting in their direction.
Returning back to base, Orea watched her own wristband, noticing two green dots moving closer. She glanced up, eyes narrowing just as Zara appeared beside her, wrist raised.
"You noticed them too?" Zara asked.
Orea nodded, her expression tense.
--
Moments later, Valtor emerged from the bushes ahead, surprise flickering across his face when he found only the girls waiting.
"I thought Lynx and Rowynn were here," he said, frowning at his wristband. Only one green dot remained, moving toward them.
"We thought the same thing," Zara replied. "Now there's just one person coming back."
All three fixed their gaze on the eastern bushes. The seconds crawled by, breaths quieting as the tracker's dot drew closer.
The bushes rustled — then parted — revealing the last person they expected.
"Ugh…" they groaned in unison, exhaling in frustration.
Kymani blinked, slightly offended. "That's the same way I feel about seeing you guys."
Zara rolled her eyes, brushing her shoulder-length hair as she sat down. "When I spotted those dots, I really thought they were Rowynn and Lynx."
"We all did," Kymani replied. "Guess we just found each other instead."
Orea sighed softly. "So… maybe they're actually gone?"
Zara crossed her arms. "I'm telling you, they're probably back at the barracks by now."
Before anyone could reply, another rustle came from behind. They all turned sharply, slipping into defensive stances.
The bushes parted again — and this time, Rowynn stepped out first, followed closely by Lynx. Both froze as the group's heavy stares met them in uneasy silence.
"What's up with you guys?" Rowynn spoke first, brows furrowed.
The others exchanged silent glances as Lynx walked past them, squatting to remove his backpack.
Kymani broke the silence. "We thought you guys went missing."
"Missing?" Rowynn echoed, eyes widening as she glanced at Lynx. He said nothing, only shut his eyes and leaned back against a tent.
Plopping her bag down, Rowynn pulled off her rubber band and shook out her hair. "We went alien hunting. Just because we didn't tag along doesn't mean we'd bail on the mission." With that, she walked off toward the tents.
The air grew heavy. Sensing the tension, Orea spoke. "We need to talk, you guys. There's been a lot of friction between us since last night, and we need to address it."
"She's right," Zara added, her gaze shifting toward Lynx and Rowynn, who sat side by side. "And I'll start...
The fake escape plan was my idea." She paused, voice softening. "I thought the best way to affirm trust was to test it. But that was the wrong approach, and I'm sorry." Her eyes settled on Lynx. "Its just.., she paused, well the escape is the only part of our future we can control, and I didn't want to lose that."
All eyes turned to Lynx and Rowynn, who remained silent. Rowynn took a gulp from her water bottle.
"Fine," she said. "But I need to know what brought up this 'lack of trust' in the first place." Her eyes locked onto Valtor.
"I'm sorry," Valtor said after a pause. "I admit I was nervous about this mission and I let it get the best of me."
"You don't seem so sorry," Lynx replied, his gaze steady. "You could've handled it better to avoid another trifle between us."
Valtor's jaw tightened. "I am sorry," he repeated, tone firm. "I realize I should've done better as your captain — and your friend." He turned to the others. "I apologize for the lies."
Lynx leaned forward. "Then you won't mind coming out with the truth, will you?"
Valtor shook his head. "We're leaving through an ocean miles north of this forest."
"And how do we get across?" Rowynn asked.
"I'm not sure, yet" Valtor admitted. "But we'll find a way."
Lynx studied him. "And you're telling the truth now?"
"He is," Zara said, while Orea nodded in agreement.
"It's the truth", Valtor continued. "Since we'll be traveling through this infested jungle, we'll carry out the council's mission until we reach the water."
The group stayed silent. Only the rustle of leaves and their slow, exchanged glances filled the space as the sky simmered into evening.