Chapter 78. Confrontation in the Shadows

"Which way now?" I asked as we approached a fork in the tunnel. I struggled to keep my voice steady, fighting the urge to confront my father then and there. Every instinct screamed that he was up to something, but I couldn't let my anger cloud my judgement. At least Chase seemed to sense it, too—the silent understanding between us was the only thing keeping me grounded.

"I... I'm not sure." Leigh hesitated. Chase stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he lifted his head slightly, nostrils flaring as he took in the scents around us.

"There's a scent this way," he indicated to the left path. He pointed down the left tunnel. "It's faint, but it's Lottie," he said, his voice low and certain.

"Then that's where we go," I decided. As we moved down the left tunnel, the air grew warmer, and the scent of smoke reached us. Adam and Chase led the way, their movements swift and purposeful. Behind me, I heard Kane drop back to walk alongside Liam, their whispere