Chapter 127

The snake, startled, shot off into the distance.

The whole time, Lucie stayed cool, decisive, and completely fearless.

"It's gone. Let's get out of here," she said, voice steady.

Elio was still trying to catch his breath, his eyes wide with a mix of shock and admiration. “Lucie... you're a total badass. I'm serious. Forget my brother, you're my new idol now."

She actually caught a snake with her bare hands? He was floored.

"Quit talking and move it," Lucie said, already heading out.

"Yeah, yeah. Finally, we can leave this nightmare," Elio replied, hurrying after her like he never wanted to lose sight of her again.

People always look up to those who are braver than themselves. When someone can do what you can't, it's impossible not to admire them. Elio's feelings for Lucie ran much deeper than her looks. She made everything seem so easy, even things he couldn't dream of doing.

Back in school, she was the straight-A student while he barely scraped by. When they broke up, she left without a second thought, but he stayed stuck, unable to move on.

A girl like her just radiated strength. He couldn't help but respect her, fear her a little, and love her all at once.

***

After a while, they retraced their steps along the path.

As they got closer to the lake, Lucie stopped, listening. There were faint footsteps coming from up ahead.

"What's that noise?" she whispered.

Both of them froze, barely daring to breathe.

Two men came into view, lugging big bags of food and water. They grumbled as they walked.

"This stuff is so damn heavy."

"What can you do? Just a few more days."

The guys were too busy complaining to notice Lucie and Elio hiding nearby. They kept walking, heading deeper into the woods.

Lucie frowned, confused. This was a restricted area-no tourists allowed. Past here was a nature reserve, and you needed a permit to get in.

"This place is so out of the way. Why would those two be here?" she whispered.

Elio narrowed his eyes. "Maybe they're poachers or something."

Lucie nodded slowly. "Could be."

Elio crouched down, clearly itching to follow them. "Let's check it out."

Lucie grabbed his sleeve and hissed, "Don't. We don't need trouble. Let's just get out of here and call the cops."

There was no cell signal up here. They'd have to get back down the mountain first. And who knew?

Maybe those guys weren't doinnet

anything illegal. Maybe they w were just here meas collect plants, Lucie.

But Elio was already creeping after them. "Come on, what's the worst that could happen? If they're really up to something shady, we should stop them."

"Elio, don't be stupid. This could get dangerous."

"It's just two guys. We'll be fine. Let's at least see what they're doing."

"Elio, seriously-"

But he was already gone, curiosity getting the better of him.

Lucie sighed, packed up her paints and tools, and slipped after him as quietly as she could. One hand held her pepper spray, the other gripped a If those guys were trouble

stun

she going to be caught off

guard. And there was always the chance they had friends nearby.

Ahead, the two men moved quickly.

"If we pull this off, we're set for life

one of them muttered. "No more et

working

like dogs for someone else.

I'm moving to an island and living it. up

"Yeah, but I wonder how the boss is going to split the money..."

Lucie and Elio trailed them for about twenty minutes, weaving through thick forest

until the men finally stopped at a wide clearing up ahead.