The Wedding Party

Part 11: A Snare

Olive sprinted through the Manor, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to catch her breath. She could hear the excited chatter of the wedding party on the terrace, and she hoped she wasn't too late after her latest run in with Gavyn. Bursting through the doors, she was relieved to see everyone still gathered there.

"Alright everyone," Preston announced with a wide grin, "we've planned a little adventure for you today. A scavenger hunt that will take you to The Bar, the Eastern Bluff, the barn, and all around the island."

"Sounds fun!" Killian chimed in, his eyes darting toward Ashleigh Lewis. He turned to Alanna, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Hey, Alanna, mind switching teams with me? I think it's only fair to give everyone a chance to mingle before the big day, don't you?"

Alanna raised an eyebrow but agreed, intrigued by Killian's eagerness. Little did she know about his ulterior motive to get closer to Ashleigh.

-----

Meanwhile, at the church, Tess handed Reverend Maximillian Hunter a small box filled with items for the scavenger hunt. "Here are the clues and trinkets for the game, Reverend. And don't forget about the rehearsal dinner. Guests will be expecting you in the barn"

"Of course, my dear," he replied, a warm smile on his face. "I'll see you and the rest of the party then."

-----

Back on the island, "Sorry I'm late," Olive whispered to Preston, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I got caught up with... something."

"Are you alright?" Preston asked, his brow furrowing with concern. "Have you heard from Ana? I'm starting to worry."

"Let's not focus on that now, you know she always turns up eventually," Olive suggested, trying to change the subject. "Come with me to the kitchen, I need your help with something."

-----

On the mainland, Reverend Maximillian stepped out of the church, humming a hymn under his breath. The sun was shining brightly, casting shadows across the ground. He didn't notice the snare lying in wait, camouflaged by the dappled sunlight.

In an instant, the trap was sprung. The head spade, seemingly suspended by invisible forces, rushed towards him with deadly precision. The air filled with a sickening crunch as the blade found its mark, and the once-tranquil scene transformed into one of horror.

-----

Meanwhile, "Alright," Olive said as they entered the Manor's kitchen, trying to shake off her lingering guilt. "Let's have some fun." She motioned to the chocolate fountain.

"Sounds delicious," Preston replied. Olive's eyes met his, and for a moment, they shared a smile, a brief reprieve from the stress of their wedding and lingering secrets.