SHADOW OF CHOICES

Lena's POV The woodland floor is covered in flickering shadows as the early sun spills across the trees. Sitting silently, Daniel and I only hear the soft rush of the creek close by. His hand still feels the warmth like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty on mine. Breaking the quiet, "I'm glad we're together," I say. Having someone that understands is great. "Always," Daniel says in a firm voice. "I'll have your back whatever comes of course." We sit for a little more, but the peace of the moment is broken when Nyla and Elias rush through the woods, their faces pallid. "Lena!! Daniel!‒ Nyla lets out a gasp, then breathes slowly. You should be here with us. right now! "What's wrong?" Adrenaline pumping through me, I ask. "There has been a sighting," Elias replies, his voice tight. "Adam's not by itself. Along with him are a bunch of equally dangerous people. "Great," Daniel says, annoyance teping into his voice. "Exactly what we need." Nyla nods with a sobering look. Their movement is this one. We have to hide somewhere and decide what to do next. I respond, rising and wiping off my jeans, "Let's go." The idea of seeing Adam once more sets my heart racing, and I can't get the discomfort leaving my stomach. We keep low and silent as we rush across the woodland. Uncertainty seems to be weighing down me, a continual reminder of the risk right next door. "Do you suppose Adam's actually with a group?" Trying to keep my voice steady, I ask. Glancing back at me, Nyla says, "I don't know." If he is, however, it indicates that he is considerably more dangerous than we first believed. As we negotiate the deep underbrush, Daniel holds my hand firmly. I sense the stress coming from him; his obvious fear for our safety. After what seems like an age, we come upon a little clearing encircled by thick vegetation. Nyla murmurs, pointing for us to stop, "This will do." We gather together to catch our breaths. "What's the strategy?" Searching the space for any hint of danger, Elias asks. "We have to find out what Adam wants and how to stop it," Daniel replies, his voice quiet. "We cannot allow him to once more control us." Agree, Nyla says, crossing her arms. We must be cautious, though. Should he have a group, they could be already following us. I nod; ideas abound in my head. "What would happen if we laid a trap? Lead him in and then ambush him? "It's dangerous," Daniel replies, a frown wrinkling his forehead. Still, it could work. We simply have to ensure we are ready for anything. I cannot get rid of the impression that this is a turning point for us as we go over our choices. Our decisions today could decide our fate, hence I feel the weight of that duty falling on me. "What about the other ones?" I ask unexpectedly, my heart hurting at the notion of them. "What if they're at risk?" With a sad look, Nyla says, "They'll have to fend for themselves for now." "If we neglect ourselves first, we cannot help them." Although the comments sting, I know she is correct. Our safety must first take the front stage. But I see the struggle whirling inside Daniel as I meet his eyes. "What do you mean?" Sensing the need to grasp his ideas, I ask him. He says, "I believe we should keep one step ahead of Adam". "We cannot afford to let him take a back-off again." Then it settles, my voice strong. "We laid the trap. Against him, we employ his own strategies. The others nod, and I get quite determined. We have been running from him too long. Now is the moment to stand. As we get ready for our trap, compiling supplies and arranging strategic spots around the area, the scheme plays out. My nerves tighten with every instant that passes, but yet excitement runs through me. We are at last beginning to take charge of our destiny. "Are you sure about this??" As Daniel hooks a branch to a rope to ready the first section of our trap, his brow wrinkles with concern. I meet his stare and say, "I am." "We cannot let him stroll all over us any more. It is time to show him we will not be intimidated. He nods, but I detect anxiety in his eyes. "Just exercise caution, Lena. I am not ready to lose you. I swear not to, gripping his hand. We will go through this together. I could sense the heavy, electric tension in the air as we were finishing up setting. Every sound appears enhanced—the rustle of foliage, the far-off bird calls. The forest itself seems to be waiting for what is to come by holding its breath. Nyla advises, "We should hide and wait," her eyes dart across the space. Adam will not expect us to be ready for him. Adrenaline racing through me, we settle beneath the trees. The others are clearly arranged around the area, their faces set with will. Minutes stretch into hours, and I could feel the excitement growing within me. Then I hear rustling from the woods. My heart pauses as I slant forward to gaze into the darkness. I mutter, my breath stopping in my throat: "It's them." My gut turns with panic as the numbers show up. Adam is here, accompanied by two guys and a woman all dressed in dark. Their eyes darting around the clearing, they move deliberately. Heart pounding, I murmured to the others, "Stay hidden." Adam enters the clearing, a sure smile on his face. "I know you're here," he yells, his voice booming in the quiet. "You cannot avoid me, Lena." I get a shiver down my back. He seems to be hunting my presence like a predator. With a nasty edge to his voice, he tues, "Come out, come out, everywhere you are." Daniel says, "Don't let him bait you," gripping my arm firmly. Nyla says, her voice almost above a whisper: "Let's just wait." "He will make a mistake." My pulse thumping in my chest, I can sense the anxiety rising as Adam and his team search. They are getting closer, and I cannot get rid of the impression that we are about to do something absolutely historic. Then, just as I feel I can't take it any more, Adam's eyes stray to the trap we placed. With sarcasm in his voice, he remarks, "Oh, I see you have a little surprise for me." Panic comes over me like a tsunami. She knows! I whisper fiercely. Adam signals his friends before I can respond, and they act. Fear and excitement merge as I watch them approach our trap. My heart leaps. "Suddenly!" Daniel yells, and we flee our hiding places running toward Adam and his party. As we face them, anarchy breaks out; adrenaline drives my motions. As we get close, Adam's expression shows astonishment; for a little instant, I feel empowered. But I hear a yell amid the anarchy. My heart pounding, one of Adam's friends leaps at me and I hardly manage to dodge him. Lena!" Daniel yells, his voice piercing the middle. I get back under control and turn to attack, but another person charges from the side. I am ready for impact, but just as he gets to me there's a loud crack—that of a branch breaking. Looking up, time seems to stop and my heart drops. Our trap has been laid and the ropes react, catching one of Adam's friends. "Get off here!" I yell at Daniel while I fight the anarchy all around. "We have to get this done! He yells back, resolve painted on his face. I glance at Adam, whose demeanor has changed from assurance to wrath. He snarls, moving back to evaluate the circumstances, "you think this will stop me?" Something inside me moves in that instant. Fear no longer rules me. I am strong enough to resist and guard the people I love. Lena, today! Daniel's voice slices across the chaos. Adrenaline surges through me, and I run toward Adam prepared to face him once and for once. My heart thumps in my chest, and I sense the fire of will lighting within me. "Enough Games, Adam!" I yell, with a clear, loud voice. Surprising flickering in his eyes, he turns to meet me. You honestly believe you could bring me on? I will not allow his boldness scare me. You have undervalued us for far too long. We no longer find much fear in you. I watch his look darkening as I draw near. Lena, you will come to regret this. You have no idea what you are signing for. Maybe, I say, my voice steady. "But I'm ready to defend what I believe in."