Chapter 60. The Lost and Found

Avery’s POV

The air grew colder as the sun dipped behind the trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. We had been searching for hours, and exhaustion clung to every step we took. The others murmured about turning back, about how it was too dark to see anything now, but I refused to listen.

“We keep looking,” I said firmly, scanning the thick underbrush ahead. “He’s out here somewhere.”

A few groans followed, but no one openly objected. Even Amelia, who had spent most of the search clinging to Julian and making pointed comments, was too tired to argue.

Julian, however, stayed close, silent and watchful. I felt his presence at my side before he even spoke.

“Avery,” he said softly, his voice cutting through the tense quiet. “You need to rest.”

I shook my head. “Not until I find him.”

“Have some water then, you’ve been at this for hours.” He suggested.

I shook my head once more. I wasn’t thirsty, I didn’t need water or f