"Positions!" Alpha Boy snaps, already crouched like he's about to jump. His authority actually helps this once, because the group obeys, forming a shaky defensive semicircle on the platform.
The rope bridge sways violently as one of the younger girls stumbles back onto it, clutching the rails.
Then, one could hear the footsteps clearly now.
"Here they come," someone breathes, and the fear in their tone sends a shiver down Heidi's spine.
She raises her fists, willing the faint crackle of power she knows she can summon if she pushes hard enough.
Her heart is so loud she barely hears Val muttering beside her, "Great. Trapped in a treehouse and about to be horror movie extras."
The boards creak. A shadow stretches long across the platform. Heidi takes a long inhale, ready for whatever it is, only to be met with…
"Found you."
Every single one of them stiffens at the unexpected voice. It's not just because it's unexpected, but because it's familiar.
