Chapter 2

Edward ended the call abruptly.

I stood motionless, bewildered.

What was happening?

In my past life, he would have undoubtedly come to my aid first, and he never spoke those words.

After pondering for a moment, realization struck me.

Edward had also experienced rebirth. This time, he opted to rescue Jessica first.

I attempted to contact emergency services, but my phone was lifeless.

A surge of dread washed over me. Surrounding me were intertwined, peculiar trees, and odd sounds emanated from the shadows.

I couldn't afford to wait any longer and needed to escape the mountain quickly.

At present, I was completely disoriented, but I had to keep moving.

My wounded leg transitioned from pain to numbness.

As I trudged on, darkness fell. I was utterly spent. Jessica had consumed all the water and food in my backpack shortly after entering the ancient forest of Ailfa Mount.

I collapsed on the ground, gasping for air as the temperature plummeted to 23 degrees Fahrenheit and the tree branches gleamed with eerie silver "lights" - night birds watching me intently.

In the distance, I heard the terrifying growls of wild animals.

I felt hopeless, unsure if I would survive.

Suddenly, beams of light pierced through the darkness.

The rescue team had arrived.

"Elizabeth, why haven't you left yet?" Henry Carter and Kevin Parker, two of Edward's men, inquired as they approached.

"Henry, Kevin, I'm so relieved you're here. Please get me out quickly," I pleaded, breathless.

"But we have orders. Edward instructed us to find and save Jessica," Henry explained.

"Aren't you going to rescue me?" I asked, incredulous.

At that moment, Henry's satellite phone rang - Edward was calling.

Edward inquired, "Have you two located Jessica?"

Henry replied, "Edward, we haven't found Jessica, but we've come across Elizabeth. Should we evacuate Elizabeth first?"

"Ignore her. She's just trying to slow you down from reaching Jessica. Hurry downstream to Snake Lake," Edward urged anxiously.

"Henry, Kevin, I'm in dire straits. Can't one of you take me out while the other continues searching for Jessica?" I begged.

"Rescue protocol requires two-person teams. Going alone would be too risky," Henry clarified.

"Elizabeth, everyone knows you despise Jessica. But you've gone too far this time. How could you lead Jessica into the primeval forest? You're well aware of Ailfa Mount's dangers," Kevin reprimanded me on Jessica's behalf.

Henry agreed, "Kevin's right. Elizabeth, you really crossed a line. If anything happens to Jessica, you'll be held legally responsible."

"Also, how did you get lost? You're Ailfa Mount's guide. You should know this area better than us."

I was a guide for Ailfa Mount's tourist attractions, not its primeval forest.

Henry said, "Elizabeth, stop the act."

"I'm not acting. Can't you see my leg is injured?" I retorted angrily.

Henry glanced at my leg and said, "Then wait here, and we'll search for Jessica first."

Wait? For how long? I had no idea if Jessica had been bitten by a snake. If she had, they'd wait for a helicopter rescue. Would they even return for me then?

I said, "Give me water, food, and a jacket. I'll find my way out alone."

I decided to rescue myself.

After providing me with supplies, they continued towards Snake Lake.

I felt rejuvenated after donning the jacket, drinking water, and eating cookies.

Unable to continue in the dark, I built a campfire and remained vigilant, unable to sleep.

Just after 6 AM, as faint light filtered through the tree branches, I resumed my journey.

After six grueling hours, I finally reached the exit.

As relief washed over me, the searing pain in my leg and overwhelming exhaustion suddenly hit, causing me to lose consciousness.