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Jumped onto the back of my bike and flew out of the lot.

And the rest of my crew? They were right behind me.

SEVENTY-ONE

TREVAN

We blazed into The Crimson Apple’s parking lot, dust blowing behind us as we came to a screaming stop.

Rain began to spit from above, the sky saggy and heavy as if it also fought to hold me back.

It wasn’t going to happen.

I was off and running for Regan who ripped at his red hair at the side of the cabin.

“What the fuck?” I shouted as I ran up to him.

“I tried to stay out of sight like she wanted me to. But there was something that was just too fucking quiet, so I went inside to check. No one’s there.”

“Penny?” Her name ripped off my tongue.

“She’s not there, either. I scoured every fucking nook and cranny. Ran around the building twice shouting their names. Nothing.”

Fear slithered through me. A dosing of poison and bottled rage.

We’d gotten complacent. Thought she was safe.

I could feel the branches on the trees whispering like an omen. Calling to me.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Silas spat beneath his breath, scuffing his palm down his face.

My attention raced.

Penny’s car was still sitting across the lot.

They had to be here.

Close.

I could feel it.

I could feel her terror clambering through the gusts of wind that curled through the trees.

“The woods,” I grunted, and I was already moving, drawn in the direction of her light.

Toward the dazzling energy that lured and trapped. A storm of it that whipped and screamed. Tendrils that locked directly into my soul.

Whipping the gun from the holster at my back, I hurtled around the side of the store and into the forest.

The sky suddenly opened up and lightning cracked the sky.

Dread slicked my skin, as heavy as the downpour from above.

Branches snapped and roots fought to hold me back.

I pushed deeper, frantic as I tore into the woods.

My blood sloshed and shivered as fear tracked up my spine.