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“Drop it,” I snapped. It was incongruous to accept that Isaac had his redeeming qualities, but it would be helpful to remember them as we pushed onward.
"Are you sure?" he asked hesitantly, his expression softening momentarily. And in that instant, I saw the same protectiveness that had come when he stepped in front of his mother to save me.
"Positive," I replied, frowning. "Now, let's keep going. We can't afford to fall behind."
"Right," he agreed, nodding stiffly as we continued our journey through the treacherous terrain. The snow fell around us, turning the world into a blur of white and gray as we navigated the slippery slopes and jagged rocks.
I couldn't shake the image of the fallen competitor from my mind, nor could I forget his bones' sound when they shattered against the unforgiving earth. I had never heard a crunch like that. It made my whole body tremble.
Acutely alert, I continued behind Isaac. There was no turning back; the only way out was through.
Chapter22
Another Visit From The Wolves
As the day continued to drag on, we maintained a steady speed, primarily thanks to my partner.
I didn’t see Santiago again, or anyone else for that matter. We had spread out across the forest—some falling behind while others moved to the front.
"Keep up, Rena!” Isaac called over his shoulder, his head completely covered with a hat, darkened goggles, a hood, and a scarf. Even through the thick fabric, the muscles in his tall frame stretched taut as he leaped over a fallen tree trunk with ease.
"Right behind you," I panted, pushing myself to keep pace with him.
When it became clear my labor was in vain, I stopped. “I need to eat,” I panted, bending over to put my hands on my knees.
Isaac scowled. “We need to keep moving. We will only have a few more hours to travel and need to set up a camp.”
My resolve hardened at his words. This alliance, though temporary, was crucial for our survival.
The forest seemed to come alive around us. Its chilly wind whipped at my flushed cheeks, causing them to burn. The scent of snow and the sharp tang of pine needles filled my lungs as if urging me to push harder, faster.
"Watch your step," Isaac warned his voice a low rumble against the backdrop of crunching snow and rustling leaves. He deftly sidestepped a tangled mass of roots, his long limbs moving with a grace that belied his size.
"Thanks," I breathed. The conversation was sparse as we moved, and I didn’t want the others to hear precisely where we were.
As we continued to weave our way through the dense terrain, I couldn't help but notice the way Isaac moved, like a predator stalking its prey. It was curious to behold, leaving me torn between wanting to draw closer for safety and wanting to run away.
As we raced further into the forest, the sunlight filtering through the trees cast dappled shadows onto the carpet of leaves below. My breaths came in brief gasps, and my legs burned with the effort of keeping up with Isaac. The trees grew denser, and the endless white turned muddy as we heaved across the terrain. When I’d walked with Antonio on our survival test, it had been easy to see before me and move toward a fixed goal. I struggled to keep a straight line as we trekked toward La Doncella under the canopy of clouds, snow, and trees. Without being able to see around me easily, it felt like we were going in circles.
"Isaac," I panted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear and adrenaline coursing through me. "Do you know where we are?"
He turned his head briefly, his green eyes meeting mine for a fleeting moment. "I have an idea," he replied. "We need to keep moving west. The base should be this way." He gestured in our direction, determination etched upon his face.
As we continued our trek, my thoughts briefly wandered to Antonio, wondering if cameras were scattered throughout the forest to catch our every move. In my experience, it took a lot of time and equipment, and they would probably wait for us at the feast. Today, after airing the opening ceremony, they would play the interviews.
Antonio had already seen my interview but didn’t know about the kiss with Isaac on the bus or at the starting line. My cheeks burned, and I shook it off, focusing on the path ahead.
He would understand. He had to.
“Watch your step," Isaac whispered, his covered eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously.
I didn’t respond. It was no longer snowing, and the eerie silence of the forest enveloped us as we ventured deeper. It felt like the air was holding its breath, awaiting some unknown fate.
"Did you hear that?" Isaac whispered, his voice strained.
“The wind?" I asked, wondering if my imagination was playing tricks on me again.
"Maybe," he replied, but his gaze remained fixed on the shadows cast by the towering trees in the afternoon sun. As we continued our journey, I felt a shiver run down my spine.
