Grayson

Chapter Fifty One

Emma~

Every muscle in Emma's body was aching and her feet were screaming in protest at every step she took, but she couldn't stop moving. Her pace had slowed due to pure exhaustion, but she forced herself to keep moving, one foot in front of the other.

As she fumbled through the dense jungle, it felt like Emma's feet found every rock and raised root in her path. Remaining silent every time she stumbled was nearly impossible, but she had no choice.

The sound of gunfire would grow louder then fade, indicating that the jungle was crawling with groups of rebel soldiers.

I have to keep moving. I'm going to reach the border any second now, I know it. Just keep going.

Feeling the need for a breather, Emma stopped to catch her breath, carefully scanning the darkness around her for signs of life. The silence and pitch black was almost comforting as she huffed air and tried to summon strength she didn't think she had.

Emma was doubled over, trying to fill her lungs with air when the faint moonlight caused something to her left to shimmer.

Metal.

Dropping to the ground immediately, Emma felt her senses heighten and her pulse sky rocket. A twig snapping confirmed her fears. She wasn't alone.

She had no choice, but to hide and hold her breath. Running wasn't an option, she was too exhausted, too uncoordinated.

Sinking backwards into some thick foliage, Emma tried to conceal herself with slow calculated movements that would be quiet and undetected. Closing her eyes for added measure, Emma imagined that she was invisible. She imagined that she wasn't there at all. Emma pictured herself at home with Grayson, snuggled up on the couch watching a movie. She pressed herself against a tree and tried to keep from crying.

Why did I come here? Why didn't I listen to my brother? Why didn't I listen to Grayson?

Despair wrapped around her soul and she covered her mouth with her hand to try to prevent herself from weeping.

The only sound that Emma could hear was the thumping of blood that was pounding through her veins in rapid succession. It was loud and overpowering until the sound of a familiar whistle cut through the noise and stole her breath.

That sounded like my brother.

With wide eyes and hope that bordered on terror, Emma looked around scanning the darkness around her. Despite the sudden surge of hope, Emma internally scolded herself.

I hallucinated that. I was dreaming of home and my own mind produced that sound. Don't move Emma or you're going to get yourself killed. Get it together and focus.

Trying with all her might to rid herself of the emotional memories and images. Emma focused intently on the movements of the soldiers who were obviously very close. Without moving a muscle, Emma silently sucked in a breath and held it as a soldier took a quiet stance close to her hiding place.

She readied herself to fight, she was prepared to defend herself until her last breath, but she wasn't prepared to hear the familiar whistle yet again, this time very clearly and distinctly meant for her.

It's real. Oh my God, it's real.

Knowing it was a risk, Emma chose faith in her brother over fear and answered back, mimicking the whistle from within her hiding place.

Feet rustling could be heard as if her whistle had summoned the soldiers in front of her. Maybe they weren't soldiers at all.

The whistle resounded again through the silent night air, forcing tears from Emma's eyes.