A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 289

"Guys, how are we supposed to find them? By the time we track them down, it'll be midnight," Chad fretted, his brow furrowed.

Sam pointed off into the distance. "They headed that way. Why not follow that lead?"

"No, we could just have them send us their location on a map," George interjected.

"That sounds like the best plan," Herne agreed.

George pulled out his phone and quickly messaged the group chat. "Our fire's out—can we come over to you? If so, send us your GPS location."

He tagged Demi, Nigel, Wendy, and Maria.

It wasn't long before Nigel replied with a map pin. They all squinted at the screen. The distance wasn't too bad—about an hour's walk at best.

"Let's get moving," George said, rallying the group. One by one, everyone started trudging through the rain, except for Ana. She stood alone in the downpour, frozen in place.

"Ana, come on. Let's go!" Alex called out, glancing back over his shoulder.

Nearby, Demi asked a staff member, "Is there any other way for us to get more fire-starting gear?"

He shook his head. "Nope. You only get one chance to trade for supplies with the production team."

"And even if we get the fire starter, we need a proper hatchet and a shovel to set up a shelter. Otherwise, how are we supposed to pitch a tent?" Thomas grumbled as he walked back with the others.

"But I don't want to go to Demi's camp!" Ana finally cried, her eyes stinging with tears as she broke down in the rain.

Alex and Thomas exchanged worried looks before hurrying over to her. "Ana, come on—if we don't head to Demi's, where will we go? It's still out here in the wild, and it's pouring," Alex pleaded gently.

Inside their minds, both brothers hoped that later that night, they'd get a chance to talk to Demi. They remembered how, just the previous day, the family had decided to treat her like a twin to Ana. Perhaps after a night to think things over, Demi would come around.

"But I just don't want to!" Ana sobbed, her voice shaking as she tried to hold back her tears. Her distress hung heavily in the air.

Noticing that Ana wasn't moving, the others began to murmur among themselves. George's face hardened with annoyance.

Finally, he announced, "Alright, let's vote. Those who want to go to Demi's place, let's get moving. Those who don't stay put. We'll leave the supplies for you."

"Why don't you mention Ana cries at the drop of a hat? No one's supposed to baby her like her parents!"

"If she doesn't want everyone going to Demi's, then she should step up—start the fire, chop the wood! Don't blame the lack of tools. Demi didn't have tools either!"

"Ana's probably scared of being ignored by Demi. Last night, Demi gave fish to everyone except Ana. Ana has her pride, too!"

"First of all, Wendy was handing out the fish! Second, not everyone got fish—the Pitt brothers didn't either! Lastly, they've already said there's bad blood. Why should she give Ana fish?"

"And didn't they end up eating her food anyway?"

"They traded supplies for it!"

"Demi didn't even need that shovel, but Herne's team desperately needed food and fire!"

...

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