Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2631

Sylvia stood on a large rock and waved to Gabriel. “Look over there.”

He walked over and followed her gaze. In the distance, nestled near the halfway point of the mountainside, were a few faint outlines of houses.

“What is it?” Gabriel asked.

“Does anyone live there?” Sylvia wondered.

Gabriel shook his head slowly. “No, it’s a temporary shelter for hikers.”

Sylvia nodded in understanding. She wanted to go see it, but it would be dark by the time they got there and back, so she dismissed the thought.

Gabriel’s gaze was sharp, as if it could see right through her. “It’s too late today,” he said softly. “I’ll take you next time. But there’s not much to see, just a few wooden cabins.”

Sylvia smiled. “You’ve been there?”

Gabriel sat down on a rock, one leg bent. “I lived here for a few months when I was a child. I’ve been all over these mountains.”

The mention of his childhood immediately brought to mind the tragedy of losing his parents. Sylvia subtly changed the subject.

As dusk settled, the group packed up and started their descent.

By the time they were halfway down, the sky was completely dark.

The mountains at night were profoundly quiet, the world feeling vast and empty. Only the stone path under their feet felt real. The crescent moon, hidden behind dense foliage, cast a cold, lonely light. Occasionally, a night bird would swoop past, its sharp cry echoing through the ravines.

Una heard a noise and peered into the pitch-black woods. “There aren’t any wolves in these mountains, are there?”

“No,” Gabriel’s voice was steady and reassuring. “The villagers come up here all the time. No one’s ever encountered a wolf.”

With Gabriel there, everyone felt safe. The tension eased, and their steps became lighter. The four of them chatted and laughed, the cool night breeze and the moon above creating an experience unlike any they’d had before.

“Ah!”

Jenny’s sudden cry of pain made everyone turn. Jonas, who was closest to her, rushed to her side. “What’s wrong?”

“I slipped on a loose rock and twisted my ankle,” Jenny said, her voice strained.

Jenny sniffed. “Don’t force yourself if you don’t want to.”

He glanced back at her. “I’m doing this for Gabriel. Now stop wasting time and get on.”

Only then did Jenny climb onto his back.

Jonas supported her legs and started walking. “Not bad,” he quipped. “You don’t weigh much more than the portfolios.”

Jenny pouted. “Of course not. I’m very petite.”

“Petite, sure,” Jonas teased. “So skinny there’s nothing there.”

Jenny, realizing what he meant, was both annoyed and embarrassed. “Don’t you push your luck!”

“What luck? I’m carrying you, and somehow I’m the lucky one? How about you carry me instead?”

They bickered their way down the mountain, their banter making the atmosphere even more lively than before.