Counterfeit ✓

Chapter 12

MILA HADN'T HEARD from Amy in a few days, as if she didn't exist, and whenever she asked Stephen if he knew anything more, he ignored the question and went about his business as usual.

This afternoon, the ignorance became too much for her. She paced through her tent, her hair tied up in a bun and her face pale from the lack of sleep. Sighing, she pulled the tarp aside, checking if Amy was anywhere near, though there was no sign of life.

The camp had been unusually quiet for the past few days. Stephen had stopped giving orders to torture or kill people, and there were no longer any special encounters in the central area. Her stomach churned at the prospect of what was to come. She pulled the tarp aside and poked her head through the opening after pacing around for the umpteenth time.

She dashed back inside and plopped down on the bed, pretending she had done nothing all morning when she saw Stephen marching to the tent. Her hands trembled, by now Mila knew when Stephen would arrive and when she should stay hidden. Today was not going well for him. His expression even predicted the worst-case scenario.

"Come along with me! "

She said nothing. Mila took her coat from the chair, put it on, and walked out of the tent with Stephen. She drew her hood over her head once she was outside. It was pouring. She was curious about what would happen next. She raised an eyebrow as she followed Stephen to the camp's entrance and noticed him stopping at the gate.

He appeared to be unsure for a brief moment. He looked over his shoulder, then back to Mila, then over his shoulder again. He locked his gaze on the vast forest that engulfed the camp for a split second. She felt chills run down her spine. She had no idea what he was up to, her thoughts wandering to Elody. Was she the next to flee the wolves?

"Give me your arm."

Mila extended her arm.

Meanwhile, a guard stood behind her and turned her head to the side, if they only knew. Stephen pressed some buttons, and the guard let her go after a minute.

She frowned as she looked at Stephen.

"You can accompany me outside the camp; don't flee or I'll press the button. There is one more important matter before we leave."

Stephen motioned for a guard to arrive.

The guard rolled a large suitcase toward his boss, didn't wait for permission, and opened the suitcase.

Mila hurriedly took a step back, almost gagging. Several animal skins lay on top of each other, the stench overwhelmed her. Mila recognized a bear, wolf, and even a lion from pictures in her children's books. Wild animals no longer lived in the city, but it was clear that they lived here.

"Pick one."

She followed Stephen's instructions. She didn't want to go against his wishes today and prevent him from pressing the button before they left. Her stomach grumbled. Mila squeezed her eyes shut, slid her hands over some skins, and grabbed one without looking. When she opened her eyes again, she saw the skin of a wolf.

Stephen first removed his coat, tossed it to the ground, and wrapped the lion's skin around his body. With his eyes narrowed, he urged Mila to imitate his actions.

She finally stood there, a dead wolf touching her skin.

"The hides keep us safe from wild animals. They recognize the scent and believe we are of the same species."

Mila gave a nod.

"I'm going hunting with you. I'm not doing it because I want to, but because I need to keep an eye on you."