Flint, Josie, and Zak shuffle along the same branch, eventually finding their respective spots as we all settle in to enjoy the breathtaking view of Shadow Crest.
'We're so lucky to live here,' Josie states, her words carrying a profound truth.
I wholeheartedly agree the awe-inspiring surroundings of Shadow Crest never fail to stir a sense of gratitude within me. The forest envelopes the town, with impressive mountains in the distance. Our houses and buildings have Victorian aesthetics, boasting steeply pitched roofs and ornate iron railings. My gaze shifts to the three-story packhouse mansion, in the heart of it all. I can even discern the white stairs leading to the second floor from my vantage point. Excitement courses through me as I contemplate the day when I'll become Alpha, but strangely, I can’t help but feel something is now missing from my life. Something is digging at my heart and soul, eating me away. I’ve never had this feeling before until today.
'Are you okay, Magnus?' May's concerned voice interrupts my thoughts.
I glance at May, who’s only two years younger than me and Nina, but unlike Nina’s Brown doe-like eyes, May’s are blue. The rest of her features resemble Nina’s, except May’s hair is much shorter.
‘Yeah, I’m fine. Why do you ask?’ I ask, unsure of why she would care.
'Well,' she begins, her tone gentle, 'you seemed lost in thought and appeared a little sad.'
'Oh, sorry,' I respond, shifting my focus back to her. 'I was just thinking about...things.'
May's hopeful expression persists. 'I know we don't talk often, but I hope we can change that starting today. So, if you ever want to discuss anything, you can always talk to me.'
'Thanks, May,' I say, offering her a warm smile. 'I'm sure I'll be more open with my thoughts one day.'
A blush graces May's cheeks as she casually looks away and smiles.
'Last one down is a rotten egg!' Zak shouts, breaking the momentary silence.
We all respond swiftly, descending from the branches with agility, dropping from one level to the next in a series of movements. Much to my surprise, I was the first to reach the ground.
Josie, arms crossed and pouting, challenges my win. 'You only won because Nina isn't here. We all know she's the fastest and would have won.'
My eyes narrow, and I step toward Josie, my voice firm and insistent. 'If you mention her name to me again, you can join Nina in becoming non-existent to me, too.'
Josie's hurt expression grows from the unintended sting of my words. She takes a step back, her wounded expression clear to see, while Flint, bristling with anger, glares at me, ready to tell me off. A tense atmosphere simmers, but before the tension can escalate further, May, sensing the need to defuse the situation, steps in with a suggestion.
'Let's go to Shadow Lake for a swim before heading back to the packhouse,' she offers, ready for more fun.
I nod in agreement, welcoming this distraction, and lead the way toward the lake. May and Joise are at my side as we go to our destination. However, Josie remains quiet, her head bowed, while Zak and Flint trail behind us.
Upon reaching the lake's shore, I swiftly shed my shirt, socks, and shoes, a lead-up to my impending dive into the cool, inviting water. Zak and Flint follow suit, joining me in the deeper end of the lake, while May and Josie decide on the shallower waters, rolling up their pants to stay dry.
In the depths of the lake, we engage in a spirited game of submersion, each of us attempting to hold our breath for as long as possible. Zak surfaces first, followed closely by Flint. However, as I linger beneath the water's surface, a gnawing sensation tugs at my mood. I'm not enjoying myself as much as I usually would.
I decide to break from the group, swimming away from Zak and Flint and stealthily hiding behind a sizable underwater boulder, concealing myself from their view. I pull myself up for air and peer over the boulder, my eyes trained on Zak and Flint, who seem increasingly concerned, believing I have yet to resurface.
'Magnus?' Flint calls out as he and Zak exchange worrisome glances, convinced that I am still submerged.
They swiftly plunge back into the water, desperate to locate me. Meanwhile, I remain concealed behind the boulder, a playful grin forming as I observe their frantic search. My eyes flicker toward May and Josie, who remain blissfully unaware of my prank.
Flint emerges from the water, his eyes darting in confusion, struggling to comprehend my whereabouts. Zak, equally anxious, joins him at the surface. 'Magnus!' Zak shouts urgently, reaching out for May and Josie's attention.
Flint swivels around, a sense of panic gripping him. 'We can't find him,' he frets with fear. 'You don't think he drowned, do you?' He asks the others.
May and Josie, their carefree expressions instantly replaced by dread, realize I'm still in the water. They wipe the tears from their faces as they wade into the deeper section to assist in the search. In a sudden burst of motion, Nina emerges from the concealment of the nearby bushes, her sprint carrying her swiftly to the water's edge. Without hesitation, she dives into the lake, her cries of 'Magnus' punctuating each resurfacing breath, her eyes brimming with tears.
Unable to suppress my laughter any longer, I find myself sprawled out atop the boulder, overcome by hysterical amusement, lying on my back, watching their reactions unfold.
Flint chastises me sternly, his disapproving gaze bearing down upon me. 'Magnus, that was not funny.'
Zak, his arms crossed in a display of irritation, joins in. 'Not cool, Magnus.'
I flash them a playful grin, attempting to appease their disapproval. 'Come on, guys, don't be like that,' I respond playfully.
I swim back to the shore and approach May and Josie on the grassy terrain, but suddenly, I feel unsettled, sensing someone behind me. I turn around to find Nina. She stands there furious, her hands firmly planted on her hips, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
Her scolding is stern and unforgiving. 'Don't be like that? Are you serious, Magnus? We thought you had drowned. I thought you had drowned, and all you can say is, don't be like that. I thought you were dead,' she scolds me, punctuating her words with repeated hits to my chest.