The drive to the Echoing Pines was smprisingly peaceful. The towering ponderosa pines stretched endlessly, their tall trunks casting long shadows as the afternoon sun filtered through the dense canopy The air was cool, carrying the crisp scent of pine needles and lamp earth. A sense of serenity settled over me as I gazed out the window, momentarily allowing myself to enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about our mission
As soon as we arrived at the forest entrance, we spotted wooden signis directing visitors toward designated camping areas. Apparently, this place was a known campsite, with specific spots available for rent.
“Looks like we’ll have to follow the rules for once,” Isaiah muttered, glancing at the map posted near the entrance,
“Guess we should rent a spot and get some camping gear,” Alex added, stretching as he stepped out of the car.
Excitement bubbled inside me as I took in my surroundings. “I’ve never been camping before, I admitted, looking around eagerly.
Austin’s eyes widened in mock horror. “Never? You mean to tell me you’ve gone your whole life without experiencing the joy of sleeping in the wilderness, making s’mores, and fending off wild animals?”
I rolled my eyes. “I doubt there will be any wild animals around here
“You never know,” Elijah smirked, his golden eyes glinting with amusement. “Some of them might find you particularly irresistible,”
Thuffed, but I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips.
After renting a campsite, we headed into the small nearby town to buy supplies. A cozy little outdoor shop stood at the edge of the main road, packed with everything from tents to survival gear. Inside, the scent of leather, wood, and something distinctly rustic filled the air as we browsed the shelves.
Austin nudged me playfully. “Since you’ve never been camping, I guess we’ll have to teach you the basics.”
“That sounds suspiciously like work, I teased, eyeing
him
“Scout’s honor,” he said, placing a hand over his heart,
“You were in a scouts program?” I asked, surprised.
“All of
of us were,” Isaiah answered, pulling out his phone. He scrolled through his gallery before holding it up for me to see.
I gasped. The picture on the screen showed four younger versions of my mates, dressed in matching scout uniforms, standing proudly with little badges pinned to their shirts.
I burst out laughing. “Oh. My. Goddess. Look at you guys! You were such cute little cubs!”
Austin groaned. “We were cool, okay?”
“Sure, sure,” I giggled, nudging Alex. “You especially looked like a total menace.
Alex smirked. “I was. Got kicked out of the program twice.”
Isaiah sighed. “And yet, they still let
Let him back in.”
Elijah shook his head. “They must have had a high tolerance for chace.”
Austin turned back to me, his usual playful grin in place. “Anyway, since I’m the best scout bere, I’ll teach you everything you need
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to know.”
“Yep. And later, we can share a tent so i can tell
mare. He winked.
| rolled iny eyes just an Alex draped an armu over my shoulder. “Hate to break it to you, but Stormi’s sturing a tent with me.
Isaiah scoffed. “As if I think both of you need to get those crazy be out of your heads.” He turned to me, his blue eyes gleaming. “Right. Stormi? You’re obviously sharing a tent with me “
And then, before I could react, he leaned in and stole a quick kiss from my lips.
Heat flooded my cheeks as Alex and Austin both groaned in frustration.
“That was unfair!” Alex complained.
“Completely underhanded!” Austin added.
Isaiah just smirked. “What can I say? I’m just playing the game better than you two.”
I crossed my arms and sighed dramatically. “You know what? I’ll share a tent with the person who isn’t trying so hard.”
All three of them went silent.
Then, after
a beat, Elijah chuckled and stepped forward, giving me a knowing smile.
“You heard her,” h
he said, smoothly taking my hand. “Looks like I win this round.”
Isaiah groaned, “Oh, come on.
Austin shot E Elijah a betrayed look. “You barely even
n tried!”
“Exactly,” Elijah said smugly. “You should all learn from me.” He gave my hand a light squeeze. “Now come on, let’s go pick out a
I allowed him to lead me toward the camping gear aisle, but I couldnt help smirking as the other three fumed behind us.
Back at our campsite, we spent the next hour setting everything up.
Elijah
h and I worked on our tent, while Isaiah, Alex, and Austin set up theirs.
“You’re surprisingly good at this,” I commented, watching Elijah hamner in the stakes.
“I pay attention,” he replied, flashing me a
me a small grin.
Once the tents were ready, we set up a fire pit. The sun had started to set, casting golden light through the trees. Everything felt peaceful–like, for the first time in a while, we could just be.
As we gathered around the fire, Austin handed me a marshmallow on a stick. “First time making s’mores?”
I nodded, carefully roasting the marshmallow over the flames. It turned golden brown before catching fire entirely.
“Ahh!” I panicked, waving it wildly.
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Ales quickly grabbed my wrist blowing out the flame, “You almost bed dosis the
1 pouted, “It’s my first time, okay?”
He smirked. “Here, let me help.”
entire forest,” he teased.
He guided my hand, turning the marshmallow gently. “Slow and steady, he murmured, his fingers warm against mine.
The marshmallow came out perfectly toasted.
“There,” he said, his voice softer now. “Much better.”
I swallowed, my heartbeat picking up for an entirely different reason “Thanks.”
Austin gagged dramatically, “Okay, that was disgustingly sweet: Literally and figuratively,”
Isaiah chuckled, leaning back on his elbows. “You’re just mad because you didn’t get to help her first.”
Austin scoffed. “I am not.”
Elijah smirked. “Sure you’re not.-
I shook my head at their antics. Despite everything–the chaos, the cussion, the teasing, the bickering–I wouldn’t trade this
bment for anything.
For the first time in a long while, I felt happy. Safe.
But even as I enjoyed the quiet
didn’t make sense.
quiet time with my mates, a nagging thought refused to leave me alone. The inscription we had found still
“Only with the dew of the Echoing Pines shall the path he revealed.
We had the four pieces, yet they didn’t reveal anything. Just lines chiseled into the stone.
Did we have to collect the dew in a literal sense? Or did it mean something else?
ed into the fire, my mind racing. Whatever the answer was, I had a feeling it wouldn’t be easy.
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