The last thing he wanted was to make her cry again; he would not want to comfort her again.
After checking the car remnants, Bennett and Ariana ventured deeper into the dense bushes.
Bennett had scarcely glanced at the dilapidated car before pressing forward, Ariana following with visible reluctance. Her wariness of his motives was clear, yet she saw no alternative path other than to follow him.
Navigating through towering thickets, they reached a narrow path that descended sharply. Though challenging, this route was less daunting than the precipitous cliffs they had previously encountered.
As they progressed down the path, they saw a grim tableau of car wreckage, everything from shredded seats to shattered mirrors.
We must be close, Bennett declared, stopping to face Ariana. But Im not sure where. Youll need to search on your own.
Without a moments delay, Ariana turned to start her search, her voice trailing behind her. Come on; lets search together.
You could be a bit nicer when asking for a favor, Bennett replied, remaining stationary. Searching isnt easy with my injury.
Then I might as well kill you now. Youre of no use as it is.
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Ariana gave him a piercing glance.
Fine. Bennett sighed, beginning to search reluctantly while murmuring, I must have been deeply indebted to you in another life. Here I am, injured because of your lover, and yet Im dragged into this search.
Ariana, typically quick to retort, ignored him this time, her focus solely on the search.
Eventually, Ariana discovered a sapphire cufflink among the withering grass-a cherished item of Holdens.
It was a disheartening discovery; she had a clue at last but no reassurance of his well-being. Her search for Holden had been relentless, and while the cufflink was a small victory, it brought no solace regarding
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Holdens state or Adrians.
With the cufflink providing little comfort, Ariana continued her exhaustive search into the evening, stopping only when her flashlight expired.
She called Bennett back, secured him to a tree to thwart any attempt at escape, and sat down beside him to consume her meager rations, waiting for the night to pass to search again.
Knowing she needed sustenance yet plagued by worries about Holden and Adrian, she forced herself to eat, her thoughts darting ahead to the next days efforts.
Suddenly, a growling noise interrupted her thoughts. Assuming it was her stomach, she quickly finished her bread.
But then, another growl echoed, louder this time. She realized it wasnt her stomach but Bennetts.
She turned to see Bennetts head hanging low, his messy hair covering his face, creating the appearance that he was asleep.
However, Ariana was not deceived. She knew he was too cautious to sleep under such circumstances, likely scheming something in his mind.
Nevertheless, he had gone a whole day and night without food or water. He must have been exhausted.
Hey, Ariana whispered to him. Are you hungry?
When Ariana spoke, Bennett raised his head slowly. He remained silent, responding instead with a grumble from his stomach.