NovelEnglishIsatals tested the handle, but II sas backend. Without missing a brat, huuspulled a small tool from his pocket and starte the lock. I raised an eyehnow, watching him with a mix of "You know how to pick locks?" I asked, crossing my arms He grinned without looking up. "You'd be surprised what you learn when you're on the nun after getting in fros parents," Isaiah rolled his eyes. "The twins are professionals of breaking and catering. Don't encourage them" I smirked. "I never would have guessed. What else are you good at, Austin? "I can think of a few things that involve entering," he said withi I rolled my eyes, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "Just get us inside i said, shaking my head.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthe The lock clicked, and Austin pushed the door open with a triumphant grin. We filed into the cabin, and I couldn't help but relief. It was small but cozy, with a living area, a tiny kitchen, and two bedrooms. Isaiah immediately started checking and securing the door while Alex rummaged through the cupboards "Hey, there's still scanned food in here," Alex called out. "And bottled water." Austin grabbed one of the cans, eyeing it suspiciously. "Expired, but not by much. It'll do." We settled down, and I took a spot by the window, peering out through the dusty glass as Alex had a fire going. My thoughts inevitably circled back to Elijah, his betrayal, and the map now lying on the coffee table. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it. I'd seen him hand it over, seen the way he looked so... detached. Like he wasn't even there.
"Stormi, Isaiah called softly, snappingout of my thoughts. "You okay?" I gave a noncommittal shrug. "Just trying to make sense of it. I saw him give the map to Mother. I know I did. So how the hell did it end up with us?" Isaiah's expression was thoughtful as he sat next to me. "Maybe it wasn't the real map. Maybe he swapped it without us noticing." I frowned. "But why? If he wanted to betray us, why give us the real one?" Austin plopped down on the floor, stretching his legs out. "Maybe he's playing bu Mother what she wants. Or maybe he's just a snake." sides. Trying to keep us safe while giving I didn't have an answer. My heart wanted to believe in him, to find sjustification for his actions, but my mind kept replaying that moment the way he didn't hesitate to hand the map over.
As the afternoon stretched on, we took turns eating, resting, and keeping watch. The silence grew heavier with each passing hour, and the weight of uncertainty pressed down on me. The map sat there on the table, untouched since we'd arrived. I wanted to study to make sense of the lines and symbols, but fear rootedin place.
What if it was a trap? What if the map itself was fainted somehow, leading us straight into Mother's hands? Suddenly, Austin broke the silence. "We should try to decode it. Maybe e there's something on it that can explain what happe What if it's a fake?" I whispered. "What if this isn't the real map at all?" 1/2 Chapter 172
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAlex leaned over my shoulder "squinting at the parchment. "Maybe ised. We should test it for ahy Spells or hetes, I ta Ige witches back at the headquarters do it to sbooks"
Isaiah moved closet, his hand resting on my shoulder. "We'll figure out together" he said softly, givinga reassuring squeeze
For a montent, I allowed myself to lean into his touch, drawing strength from his calm/presence. Atleast I still I had them. But even as 1 forced myself to breathe and focus, I couldn't shake the growing feeling of dread.
Somewhere out there, Mother had a plan. The Shadow Weaver was a looming threat. And we were running out of time.
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