CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN - AN OFFER TOO GOOD

Max took another step forward, his foot landing on the second plank. Suddenly, there was a sharp snapping sound, like a rubber band breaking. The cable attached to Max's harness went slack, and for a moment, he stood suspended in mid-air, a look of surprise frozen on his face. Then, gravity took over. Max's body pitched backward, his arms windmilling as he tried to regain his balance. But it was too late. He toppled off the plank, plummeting towards the ground below. Time seemed to stand still as Ava watched in horror. The world around her faded away, and all she could see was Max's falling form. She heard screams and shouts, but they sounded distant and muffled, as if coming from underwater. After what felt like an eternity, but was likely only a few seconds, Max hit the ground with a sickening thud. He landed on his side, his body bouncing slightly on impact before coming to rest on the forest floor. For a moment, everything was silent. Then, chaos erupted. People rushed toward