Not to mention that Ivy was very angry. She had called out for her again and again, her voice echoing through the trees. If Mara was anywhere near, there was no way her calls went unheard.
It was as if Mara had purposely ignored her, leaving Ivy and the others to fret.
Ivy's frustration morphed into a mix of anger and pain as she collapsed to the ground, cradling her injured foot with a wince.
"I just hope Grandpa and Grandma notice I'm missing soon," she muttered to herself, "it hurts so much."
Balfour, ever the protective big brother, had zeroed in on Mara, leaving Ivy to pin her hopes on Alyssa and Dean. Compared to Balfour, the elders always seemed a touch more concerned about her well-being.
Unbeknownst to Balfour, Ivy had followed him into the woods. If he had known she was there, he surely wouldn't have left her alone to carry Mara back.
As fate would have it, he had whisked Mara past Ivy without a second glance.
Finding Mara had been a relief, and with her on his back, the return journey seemed smoother, faster.
The sky was dimming as they approached the exit where Alyssa and Dean were waiting.
"Grandpa, Grandma—" Balfour called out, his voice carrying through the cool evening air. "It's getting dark, and the temperature's dropping. You should head back. I've found her."
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