Chapter 2311
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.”
As Balfour drew nearer, he failed to notice the storm brewing in the old couple’s faces.
“What do you mean you ‘found her’?” Alyssa’s heart sank at the sight of only Mara in Balfour’s arms. “Where’s Ivy? Didn’t you see her?”
Balfour’s face drained of color, his previous ease evaporating. “What do you mean, Grandma? Ivy was supposed to be with you. Did she go into the woods, too?”
Alyssa, her face a portrait of worry and anger, turned on her heel, ready to storm back into the woods with Dean. They had to find Ivy themselves.
Balfour hastily set Mara down, ignoring her sprained ankle, and rushed to stop them.
“Grandma, where do you think you’re going? You can’t go in there now; it’s nearly dark! Wasn’t Ivy waiting with you? What happened? Why did she go in?”
Alyssa spun around, her eyes blazing. “What do you think happened? She went in looking for you! If it wasn’t for worrying about your safety, why on earth would Ivy leave us and dash into the woods? And now, you’ve returned safe and sound, but Ivy is nowhere to be found!”
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Chapter 2311
Balfour’s expression darkened, sensing the gravity of the situation, yet he pleaded for his grandparents to stay put.
“She knew enough to stop me from going in, so why did she run in herself? Grandma, Grandpa, stay here. Mara’s got a twisted ankle and needs care. I’ll go find Ivy!”
Alyssa rolled her eyes, delivering a swift, sharp thump to Balfour’s arm. “What are you implying? This whole mess started with Mara, and now you’re blaming Ivy? If she weren’t concerned about you, she never would’ve risked it. And here you are, not even worried about her and actually blaming her. If Ivy heard what you’re saying, it would break her
heart.”
Balfour realized his hasty words were misplaced and chose not to argue further. He knew he had to make things right and find Ivy before the night claimed the woods.
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