Chapter 20

Caren’s POV

I heard a howl coming from the woods. I raced out back in case someone was in trouble, just like Ethan had been last week. Mom was angry with me and Parker for going to his rescue. Not because she doesn’t value life, but because we put ourselves in danger.

I could see smoke coming from over the trees, but there were noises. I would have expected screaming or yelling if someone was in trouble. I heard some commotion coming from the front of the house. But those cretins have been testing the barrier for days.

I stayed outside for a short while. But there was nothing, and I walked into the house. “It’s only a fire mom. They’re probably trying to smoke us out or try something stupid like that.” I shouted to anyone that was listening.

We suspect they think Ethan is dead. His injuries were pretty bad, even I couldn’t heal him. We dug a hole and rolled his body into it. We made them believe he was dead. It was all for show, of course. He sneaked into the house once it