Samantha's POV
Long shadows on the ground were created by the flickering light from the clearing across the woods. With our breaths almost audible, I could feel my pulse pounding as I bent behind a thick cluster of shrubs. With my phone clamped to their ear, the shadow stood in the middle of the clearing and I found myself unable to look away from them. The voice of Royce kept returning to me. You correct me. They were in front of us.
Every instinct in me cried to flee and create as much distance between us and this location. I understood, though, that doing this would just validate his authority over this game. No; we had to get closer to listen and figure out why he was still one step ahead.
Alex looked at me, resolve mixed with concern in his eyes. He had that familiar look—one that
