The night was unusually still as the group stood at the edge of the woods, each holding a flashlight, the artifact tucked securely in Kayla's backpack. Tension rippled through the air—not just from the eerie silence, but from the growing rift between them. Especially Kayla and Caston.
Ever since they uncovered the truth about Ridgewood High, things had been falling apart—not just their perceptions of the world, but their relationships, too. And tonight, it was clear those fractures were only deepening.
Kayla adjusted the straps of her backpack, shooting a glare at Caston. "If you're going to just stand there like a useless tree, why even bother coming? You've done nothing but complain."
Caston crossed his arms, leaning lazily against a tree. His sharp blue eyes glinted in the flashlight's beam. "I didn't ask to be dragged into this horror movie, Kayla. I've got better things to do than play Scooby-Doo with you."
Kayla stepped forward, her frustration boiling over. "You're unbelievable! We're trying to stop whatever that… thing is from killing anyone else, and all you can do is stand around acting smug!"
"Oh, forgive me," Caston retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't realize your obsession with creepy books and dead people automatically
Kayla took another step toward Caston, her hands balled into fists. "You think this is just my obsession? You were there when that thing nearly killed us! Or did you conveniently forget because it didn't mess up your perfect little world?"
Caston straightened, his usual smirk replaced with a sharp glare. "You think I don't care? I stayed because I don't trust you to keep everyone alive with your half-baked plans."
Kayla's face flushed with anger. "You're such an arrogant jerk! If you hate being here so much, then leave. Go back to your basketball games and your fake friends."
"I'd rather deal with them than your self-righteous crap," Caston snapped.
"Enough!" Rose's voice cut through the heated exchange, silencing them both. She stepped between them, her hazel eyes flashing. "We don't have time for this. Whatever's out there doesn't care about your petty arguments. If we don't work together, we're dead. So, figure it out."
The tension hung heavy as the group stood in uneasy silence. Kayla and Caston avoided each other's gaze, but neither moved to leave.
"Let's go," Rose said firmly, leading the way deeper into the woods.
For now, the fight was over—but the cracks between them were only growing.