The Wedding Party

Part 95: A Death

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows over the island as Helena and Braeden approached the boat house. Their footsteps crunched on the gravel path, their faces etched with concern as they took in the empty scene before them. The boat that had once hung from the ceiling was gone, as were Killian and Preston.

"Damn it," muttered Braeden, reaching for his radio to contact the coast guard. "This is Braeden Villegas. We're at the boat house, but there's no one here. Do you have any information on their whereabouts?"

"Roger that, Villegas," crackled the response. "Killian reported that he and Preston are headed to where the docks used to be. They're meeting our helicopter there."

"Thanks," Braeden replied, exchanging a worried glance with Helena.

"Let's head back to the police trailer," suggested Helena, her voice trembling. "Maybe we'll find some answers there."

Meanwhile, deep within the island's forest, Killian confronted Preston who had just let slip he is a killer, his disbelief turning into anger. "What do you mean, you killed Olive and Ash? And now you're telling me Brandt is your true love?" Killian shook his head furiously, refusing to accept the truth that stared him in the face.

Preston smirked, slowly pulling out a pocket knife. "You know what they say, Killian... Love makes people do crazy things." He flipped the blade open, his eyes glittering with malice.

"Stay back!" Killian warned, aiming his shotgun at Preston. But when he pulled the trigger, nothing happened. His heart sank as he realized the gun was empty.

"Looking for these?" Preston taunted, holding up the shells he'd removed earlier. Killian clenched his jaw and gripped the rifle like a bat, ready for whatever came next.

"Brandt's right behind you," Preston warned. Killian hesitated, not wanting to believe him, but when he heard Brandt speak, his guard dropped just enough for Preston to seize the opportunity.

"Hello, Killian," Brandt purred menacingly as Preston lunged forward, plunging the knife into Killian's back. Killian gasped, pain shooting through his body as Preston twisted the blade inside him.

"Should've left Olive alone," Preston hissed, delivering the final blow. As Killian crumpled to the ground, the last light of day vanished from the sky, leaving them all in darkness.

A single shot echoed through the trees, jolting Helena and Braeden from their thoughts. Startled, they exchanged a glance before sprinting towards the sound, their hearts pounding in their chests.

"Stay close," Braeden whispered, his eyes scanning the woods for any sign of danger. They moved quickly, branches snapping beneath their feet as they navigated the thick underbrush.As they burst into a clearing, they found Preston standing alone, his rifle raised. He seemed surprised to see them, lowering his weapon with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you guys."

"Where's Killian?" Helena asked, her voice tense. "And the others?"

Preston shook his head, his expression somber. "I don't know. I haven't seen them. I've been looking for Olive."

"Olive's dead," Helena said quietly, her voice cracking with emotion. Preston's face paled, and he stared at her in disbelief.

"Show me," he demanded, his tone firm. The three retraced their steps to where Olive's body had been, only to find it missing.

"Maybe she's still alive," Preston suggested, desperation creeping into his voice. But Braeden shook his head, adamant.

"No, man. She's really gone." At that, something inside Preston snapped, and he let out a guttural scream before bolting deeper into the forest, leaving Helena and Braeden no choice but to follow.

The radio crackled to life, the coast guard announcing they were twenty minutes away. Meanwhile, Preston had reached the barn, its darkened interior casting eerie shadows across his face. The door creaked open, revealing Olive's lifeless form on the makeshift altar within.

"Sweetheart, she's gone," Helena murmured, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. As she did so, a sinister figure emerged from the shadows, a twisted smile spreading across Brandt's face.

"Such a shame," he whispered, his eyes locking onto theirs. "But we all have our parts to play."The weight of what had happened settled upon them, leaving Helena and Braeden to wonder how they would ever find their way back to the light.