The descent into the valley was a controlled chaos. Theo checked the anchor points twice before signaling. Ayia, her grip firm on the rope, offered a small, reassuring nod to the others assembling behind her. The hill was too steep, which is why, without a rope to secure their footing, they would fall just like Max and Lauren. However, the slope wasn't a complete 90-degree fall, so Theo and the others still walked down the hill with their two feet. They just needed to hold the rope they set up.
Max waved upwards, his expression a mixture of relief and apprehension for his friends finally being ready to rescue them. Lauren, beside him, was already scanning the tree line, her gaze drawn to the dark shape nestled within the dense foliage.
