Night Watch

POV: The Camp

The crackling of the campfire was the only sound that punctuated the growing silence. Liam sat on a log, trying to ignore the gnawing worry in his gut. The firelight cast flickering shadows on the faces of Elena and Mira's family, who were gathered around, chatting and waiting for the sisters to arrive.

“Where are they?” Mrs. Anderson’s voice trembled with a mix of concern and frustration. “They should have been here by now.”

Liam glanced at his phone for what felt like the hundredth time. The lack of signal had been a problem since they’d arrived at the lake, and he knew it was unlikely they’d be able to reach Elena and Mira. But the worry in Mrs. Anderson’s eyes and the stiff posture of Mr. Anderson made it clear they were all feeling the same mounting anxiety.

“They’re probably just running late,” Liam said, trying to sound reassuring. “They’ve got to be on their way.”

But even he wasn’t convinced. The moon was rising, casting a silvery glow over the forest, and it was almost time for the traditional moonlit ceremony they always celebrated. He glanced at the clock and then back at the darkening path leading to the lake. It was unusual for them to be this late.

As the moon reached its zenith, a palpable tension settled over the camp. The family’s chatter had died down, replaced by uneasy silence. Mrs. Anderson’s eyes darted to the path repeatedly, and Mr. Anderson tried his phone one more time before giving up with a resigned sigh.

“I’m going to check on them,” Liam said suddenly, standing up. “I’ll be back soon.”

Before anyone could protest, he slipped away from the campfire and into the woods. His heart pounded in his chest as he navigated the familiar trails, now shrouded in moonlit mystery. He’d been friends with Elena for years and had always been the one to help her out of tight spots. Tonight, he felt an urgent need to do the same.

He stopped at a clearing and took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. With a muttered incantation, he summoned his familiar—an elegant, gray owl with sharp eyes and silent wings. The owl fluttered down to his shoulder, and Liam released it, whispering directions.

“Find them. They should be somewhere along this path.”

The owl hooted softly and took flight, its wings slicing through the cool night air. Liam watched it disappear into the darkness, then began his search, following the owl’s path as best as he could. The forest was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of nocturnal creatures muted.

Minutes turned into hours, and Liam's anxiety grew with each passing moment. He wandered deeper into the forest, guided only by the occasional hoot of the owl. Just as he was starting to lose hope, the owl’s silhouette reappeared, and it swooped down to perch on a nearby branch.

Liam approached cautiously, his heart racing. “What did you find?”

The owl seemed agitated, its head swiveling as though it was watching something. Liam’s instincts flared, and he scanned the area for any signs of trouble.

A sudden rustling in the bushes made him freeze. His breath caught in his throat as a figure emerged from the shadows, grabbing him and covering his mouth. He struggled, but the figure’s strength was surprising. A soft, familiar voice whispered urgently in his ear.

“Shh! It’s me—Ronan.” Ugh, Elena's stuck-up fiancé.

Liam’s eyes widened in recognition, and he relaxed slightly. He was pulled behind a thick bush, where Ronan Hart, a tall, athletic young man with a stern expression, revealed his presence.

“Sorry to startle you,” the Ronan said quietly. “I saw something strange moving around the area and thought it best to stay hidden.”

Liam’s curiosity was piqued despite his fear. “What did you see?”

Ronan’s gaze was fixed on the clearing ahead. “Red armies are patrolling the area. They’re armed and seem to be searching for something—or someone.”

Liam’s eyes followed the Ronan’s gaze. Through the gaps in the foliage, he could make out shadowy figures moving stealthily. Their movements were methodical, and their weapons glinted faintly in the moonlight.

“We need to find out what they’re up to,” Ronan continued, his voice a low murmur. “But we have to be careful. If they’re armed, we don’t want to get caught.”

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