Timber

Chapter Forty-Nine: Best Laid Plans

Just on the edge of the District Eight tract, a recognizable pair of mischievous dark eyes met Hazel's. Caleb, flanked closely by Elara and Julian, stood at the border of the tract and the grassy field. In their hands, they held a variety of sharp weapons. Her gut churned in anticipation, and she swallowed down nausea as she took them in. Elara smirked wickedly at her while Julian's expression remained more reserved and calculating. But it was Caleb's face that truly unnerved her. A cold but fiery intensity painted his features, reminiscent of her siblings' faces when their mother baked a tempting dessert. Hunger. Was this what Bloodthirst looked like? Hazel dismissed the thought and begged herself not to run. Not yet. They were playing into her hand, but it didn't stop the cold fingers of fear from caressing her heart.

Hazel took several side steps, glancing back toward the familiarity of the redwood and pine forest; a hint of the blue of Ethan's bow peeped at her from the branches. Sighing in relief, she worked her way outside the Cornucopia, easing herself toward the waiting trap within the forest.

"Did you miss me?" Caleb asked softly, his smirk broadening.

"I don't know. You miss Eve?" She countered. A flicker of dark amusement danced in Caleb's eyes. Elara rolled hers while Julian's gaze bore into Hazel, studying her every move.

Caleb straightened his shoulders as Julian leaned in and whispered in his ear, but Caleb's gaze never wavered from her. Hazel's grip tightened on her axe, her eyes locked with Caleb's. She watched as he dismissed whatever advice Julian offered, his expression a clear sign that he would follow her now—perfect. She was ready.

"I'm surprised to see you here. All alone. No oddly close stepbrother, no archer bodyguard, or that little runt girl from twelve. Did they all die?" Caleb's voice dripped with mock concern.

"Now that is surprising," Elara added, her hazel-colored eyes sharply probing over Hazel from her hair to her boots. "Not to mention disappointing. I had my money on Silus."

Hazel squared her jaw; she didn't correct them; it was better if they believed Silus was dead. "Guess they're letting just about anyone place bets these days."

Elara's eyes narrowed at the comment, but Caleb continued, undeterred, as the three moved closer, "Too bad, I wanted to make this whole thing a family affair."

"You would know all about family affairs, wouldn't you?" Hazel shot back.

Caleb let out a short, barking laugh, "You know what, Red, I have missed you."

Caleb's boots made deceptively soft noises as he and his troop stalked through the field. They would almost look like a group of goofy, unthreatening teenagers if it weren't for the arsenal in their hands or the rusty stains on their clothes.

Hazel had subtly positioned herself in the field across from the District Seven tract. She calculated that if she sprinted, she could beat them to her mark before the trees came down. It was as straight a shot as she was going to get. She eyed the blue glint in the trees, reaching behind her to pull the water bottle out of her bag, ready to send her signal to Ethan.

"Don't run away now. You just got here, and the party's just getting started." Caleb tilted his head.

The breeze picked up around her, tossing her hair over her shoulder, and Hazel caught another whiff of vinegar. She scrunched her nose. She knew what death smelled like, and this wasn't it. It was saccharine yet sharp and wholly alive.

"Smell something you don't like?"

"Besides you?" Hazel shot back, looking around them. Her mind grappled with placing the bizarre aroma that filled the air.