The forest had just begun to quiet when the engines roared it back to life. Loud and abrupt, its noise snapped everyone's attention.
VROOOM—!
Lucille, Ashrik, Isaac and Kevin all turned toward the sound almost at the same time. While the young man shifted into an alert stance, the other three were calm.
Isaac whistled, saying, "They're here. Took them long enough."
Leaves rustled violently as headlights pierced through the trees. They briefly illuminated the scorched earth and shattered roots. Then, the rays dimmed under the sunlight bathing the clearing.
A motorbike burst first. Felix skidded to a stop, boots hitting the ground hard as he swung off. His sharp eyes immediately swept over Ashrik and Isaac.
"You guys are alive!" he exclaimed, relief flashing across his face.
Two bikes followed closely behind. Regina braked roughly, steadying the vehicle while Hazel hopped off from hers. The healer's gaze darted around anxiously.
