Counterfeit ✓

Chapter 37

ONCE MILA NOTICED Oliver, she ran to him and pulled him into a hug. His face was battered and bruised, and yet a smile appeared. After a long hug, Mila stepped back, observing the duo and understanding Thomas was missing.

"Where's Thomas?"

Elody let out a sigh. "We tried to find him."

Oliver nodded. "We're late because we were looking for him."

"You didn't find him?" Mila raised her eyebrow. "They will use him!"

Without thinking, Mila walked back toward the camp. She couldn't leave her friend with those monsters who were going to use him to lure them back. However, Elody had a different plan: she pulled Mila's backpack, so she tumbled back.

"Stephen's injured and Amy can't do much more either."

"Thomas doesn't just disappear."

"No." Oliver shook his head. "We'll get him as soon as we are back on our strength."

"Agree. To be on the safe side, we need to observe the camp first."

The idea of leaving Thomas behind was wrong. She was still shuffling towards the camp, then looked over her shoulder and bit her lip. On her own, she had no chance of saving her friend; she needed the support of Oliver and Elody who had thought otherwise.

With her eyebrows raised, Mila walked past the duo and took her backpack. She marched towards the forest, moving away from the camp and Thomas, who needed a rescue. Without saying a word, Elody and Oliver followed suit. They walked silently along the dense trees. Even animals stopped showing their heads.

After half an hour of walking, Oliver sighed. Mila quit. She looked at him, threw her backpack on the ground, and sat down on the soft grass. Meanwhile, Elody unfolded the tent while Oliver sat down opposite Mila.

"It's hard to leave any of us behind," Oliver said, "but Thomas wouldn't want it any other way. We can't save him if we too are imprisoned."

"I know." Mila stared at a flower in the grass. "I've left no one behind. I was always looking for a way to-"

Oliver placed his hand on her arm. "We'll find a way. Thomas is strong. He'll survive."

Tears stung in Mila's eyes. "I'm sorry I tormented you. I didn't know how to save you."

"You did what it took to save us. We all agreed to the plan and realized its consequences."

"What was it like in prison?"

Oliver turned his gaze away. He stared at his hands as he swallowed and pushed himself back up with his palms. To protect himself from the painful thoughts, he paced around.

Mila sucked on the inside of her cheek. The boys survived in inhumane conditions. Even though Stephen thought Mila was on his side, he hadn't shared everything with her. Oliver's gaze told more than enough.

She got up and touched Oliver's shoulder. "You didn't deserve it. I'm sorry."

Oliver looked at her. "You aren't the person I should be accusing."

Even when he hated, he let Mila in. Smiling, her gaze rested on his face. Oliver. The person who was always there for her. Who supported her in difficult moments. The one who made her grin when the light almost turned off in the dark.

"We need to keep an eye out," said Oliver, moving his head gently towards Elody. "She helped us, but I don't fully trust her yet."

"You think she still works for Stephen."

"I'm never sure. We must not tear down the surrounding walls."

"Understood."

Elody stepped back toward the duo. She threw her backpack into the heap and pointed to the campfire she had made for the tent. "The tent protects us from the wolves."