The Wedding Party

Part 63: A Skull

A chilling breeze rustled through the once-vibrant leaves of the abandoned playground, as Helena, Preston, and Yusuf trudged across the damp earth. Each of their faces bore expressions of determination, mingled with a heavy sense of urgency. The sun was almost gone now, casting eerie shadows that danced amongst the forgotten swings and slides.

"Thanks again for giving Olive that picture," Preston said to Helena, his voice laced with gratitude. "It really meant a lot to her."

"Of course," Helena replied, her eyes scanning the playground. "I found another one, actually. It's of you, Ash, and your father. I'll give it to you when we find Amelia."

"Thank you," Preston whispered, touched by her thoughtfulness. As they continued searching, Yusuf spoke up, his voice tinged with skepticism.

"Amelia's always been an attention-seeker," he muttered, peering into a nearby bush. "Maybe she's just hiding somewhere to make us all worry."

"Or maybe something terrible has happened to her," Helena retorted sharply, her intuition nagging at her. "We can't afford to waste time doubting her motives."

Meanwhile, in the depths of Brandt Manor's basement, Alanna, Ashleigh, Jairo, and Olive arrived at the ancient incinerator. Its iron door was streaked with rust, but a small, fresh handprint marred its surface.

"Look at this," Alanna said, pointing at the print. Her heart thudded as she gripped the door handle, pulling it open with a groan of metal against metal. Inside, nestled among the ashes, a skull stared back at them. Jairo's breath hitched, tears welling in his eyes as he choked out a sob.

"Is that... Amelia?" he stammered, his voice breaking.

Alanna examined the skull more closely, her doctor's instincts taking over. "No," she assured him gently. "This is an adult skull. Amelia's safe, at least for now."

Back in the woods, Helena, Preston, and Yusuf continued their search as dusk settled over the island. Yusuf's comment about Amelia seeking attention still lingered in the air, but all three remained focused on finding her.

Preston spotted something unusual near the shoreline – a bloodied rope, half-buried in the sand. He followed its trail, dread mounting with each step. At the other end, he found Darrell, pale and lifeless, impaled to a tree stump by a harpoon.

"Helena, Yusuf!" he called out, his voice cracking. "I found Darrell!"

As they gathered around the gruesome sight, Helena's phone rang. The screen displayed Amelia's name, and her heart leaped into her throat as she answered.

"Amelia?" Helena said breathlessly. "Where are you?"

"Listen carefully," Amelia whispered, her voice trembling with fear. "If anyone leaves the island... I'll die."