Chapter 36

Chapter 36
THE SCREAM IN THE TREES

Point of View: Luna Hart

From the woods outside the safe house, my mother's shriek pierces the darkness with a frightening acuity. With trembling palms, I leap off the sofa as my heart thumps like a quick rabbit. With its ears erect and hair bristling, the black dog lets forth a deep growl. "Luna, it's me," Lily says softly and sweetly as her voice reverberates outside, but it seems off, like a ruse. Mr. Cole is standing at the door, his face harsh, the beam of his flashlight cutting through the darkness. I feel as if my stomach is twisted and full of knots. I am the missing girl from Hart Global, Luna Hart, and I have no secrets. Aunt Clara is the "real boss," Lily, who claims to be my mom's sister, abducted my mom, and Mia betrayed me. The dog helped me get away, but now I'm being pulled back by her scream.

Mr. Cole adds in a quiet but forceful voice, "Luna, stay here." With a stronger grasp on the flashlight, he steps outside as the door creaks.

I moisten my eyes and shake my head. "No! That's my mother! With the hefty key in my pocket, I grab my locket and go after him, the dog jumping at my side.

"Luna!" Mr. Cole turns around and hisses. "It is risky!"

My feet crunching on the leaves, I continue. I follow the dog into the woods as it barks loudly and sharply. My heart aches as my mother screams again, a little softer this time. I can't let her go once again. It's chilly at night, and my breath is white. With his hand on my shoulder, Mr. Cole catches up. "Together," he adds in a calmer tone.

The dog sniffs ahead as we stealthily go through the jungle. Its ears flick and its nose twitches. Shadows move as moonlight seeps through trees. My legs tremble, but I go on, seeing my mother's face—pale, terrified, but resilient. The key in my pocket, which has a bird mark similar to the one the guy dropped, rubs against my leg. My mother remarked, "My dad's key." What makes Lily desire it, though?

We freeze when a twig breaks. The dog lets forth a deep, low growl. Mr. Cole turns off his flashlight and yanks me behind a tree. Slow, cautious footsteps crunch. Lily's voice is closer this time. Don't hide, Luna. I'm related.

My stomach turns around. Family? Lily died, according to my mom. My fingers are icy when I grip Mr. Cole's arm. With a stern gaze, he shakes his head and tells me to be silent. The dog's body is stiff while its tail flicks.

A light flashes, a phone screen shining, and the footsteps halt. Lily's face emerges with a mischievous grin and glossy short hair. She is alone herself; there are no armed men or Mia. Her voice is lovely yet frightful as she whispers, "I know you're here." "Your mother is with me."

Tears pour as I bite my lip. I remain still as Mr. Cole's fingers tightens around mine. With a louder snarl, the dog advances. With her phone light swinging, Lily turns. She murmurs, "Stupid dog," and takes a stick—not a stick, but a little gun—from her belt.

My heart stops. I want to scream, but Mr. Cole keeps his palm over my lips. With a loud blast in my ears, Lily shoots and the dog jumps, barking wildly. As my eyes burn, the dog lets out a cry and falls. "No!" I break my voice and whisper.

Lily takes a step toward the dog and laughs. "Got you," she replies in a harsh tone. Mr. Cole releases me as he turns on his headlamp. He tackles her to the ground as he rushes at her. Her rifle lands in the leaves after flying. He moans and she cries as they roll and struggle.

With trembling hands, I sprint to the dog. It licks my palm, whines softly, and has damp fur and half-closed eyes. I pat its head and murmur, "You're okay." My cheeks became heated with tears. I was twice rescued by it.

"Luna!" Mr. Cole pins Lily's arms while shouting. "Look for your mother!"

I stand with shaky legs and nod. I hear a low groan close by, but the woods are black. With my pulse pounding and the leaves crunching under my boots, I follow it. "Mom?" I spoke with a little whisper.

Behind a large rock, the groan returns. When I run, I see her tied to a tree with bruises on her face and fluttering eyes. "Luna," she murmurs in a feeble voice.

My hands are fumbling with the ropes as I kneel. Her wrists are sliced crimson by the tightness of them. I tremble when I say, "I'm here." Grasping the knots with my fingertips, I tug. She touches my hand and gives me a little grin.

With terrified eyes, she says, "Hurry."

I nod, accelerating my efforts. She sags forward with her arms wrapped around me as the ropes relax. Her voice is calm as she replies, "You're so brave."

Her legs are unsteady, so I assist her stand. As he binds Lily's wrists with her own rope, we stagger back toward Mr. Cole, his flashlight beam bouncing. Her expression contorted, she glares. She spits out, "You can't stop the boss."

Mr. Cole helps my mom walk while ignoring her. His voice is harsh as he replies, "We have to leave." The dog lets out a quiet whine and limps behind. With a sorrowful heart, I stroke its head. When we get to the vehicle, Mr. Cole shoves Lily, who has her wrists bound, in the back. With her arm wrapped around me, my mother sits beside me, breathing slowly.

She kisses my forehead and murmurs, "We're okay."

My stomach continues to churn even after I nod. The boss echoes Lily's comments. Who is in charge, her or someone else? The bird symbol on the key in my pocket presses on my thigh, making it seem heavy. With the town lights far ahead and the road dark, Mr. Cole drives quickly. The dog, its hair soft, cuddles up next to me.

The lights of a police station are brilliant when we stop there. Officers with their weapons at the ready dash out. Mr. Cole points to Lily to clarify. He says, "She's with Clara." "A kidnapping."

Lily's eyes are nasty as the cops carry her away. My mother gives me a strong embrace while trembling. "It's done," she declares.

My heart is heavy, yet I nod. Over? According to the notes, the true boss sees everything. With a blanket wrapped over us, we sat in the station. A kind cop offers me hot chocolate, and I hold the cup warm. I take a drink, my stomach somewhat calmed by the sweetness.

Mr. Cole speaks quietly to the cops. My mother's eyes are sweet and weary as she clutches my hand. I take out the key and say, "Tell me about it."

Her face is pale as she examines it. She says, "Your dad's." It reveals something significant. For Hart Global.

My throat tightens as I nod. "What makes them want it?"

She gives a headshake. "I'm not sure."

When morning arrives, the station is silent. We consume delicious, sticky donuts. My mother's eyes are troubled, yet she grins. The police doctor has bandaged the dog's side, and it sleeps at my feet. I give it a thankful pet.

After leaving the station, we go to a little cottage by a river that serves as a new safe house. The air is fresh and the water shines. It smells warm when my mom prepares soup. My stomach still twists when we eat and giggle a bit. The boss isn't gone, but Lily is.

It becomes dark, and the cabin is warm. With a kind kiss, my mother tucks me in. "Get enough sleep," she advises.

I close my eyes and nod. Outside, the river hums calmingly. However, a gentle beep from my phone awakens me up. My heart leaps. The screen is shining as I grasp it. A fresh message: You got Lily, but Luna, I'm closer. Take a look at your back.

I'm breathing quickly as I spin. The door is slightly open, and the room is dark. A tall, slender shadow walks with something spark
ling in its hand—a key that sparkles in the moonlight, much like mine.