Chapter 96 - A Plot for Escape

As they traveled more into the woods, the trees' long, twisted shadows tricked their sight and the darkness seemed to shut in on them. They were terrified of what they would discover, or what might find them, so they were alert to every rustle and every snap of a twig. But they persisted in spite of their doubt and worry. They needed to locate them. They needed to bring them home. Lydia walked next to Jake, determined despite her pale complexion. She remained silent and concentrated solely on the quest. Behind them, the other troops walked silently, their rifles ready. Slowly, the hours went by and the search produced nothing but more questions. The woods were even more expansive than the estate, and the night appeared to go on forever. Nevertheless, they persisted in their hunt with unflinching purpose. Their faces etched with concern and tiredness, they returned to the big hall as morning broke, bathing the estate in a pale, gray light. Alpha Brannon sat at the head of the