Chapter 242

Chapter 242 The Price of the Living
Theresa glanced at the others, and after a brief exchange, they all nodded.
“Alright.”
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They parked their vehicles on higher, solid ground, then followed Landon on foot to the group’s hideout.
As soon as they stepped into the rustic lodge, a woman with tear–reddened eyes came storming out, rage painted across her face.
“Landon!”
Madeline, what’s wrong?”
“If you don’t throw Nathaniel and Julian out today, then I’m leaving!” Madeline snapped, fury in her voice.
“Madeline, wait! It was just a misunderstanding!” Isabelle rushed out after her. “Nothing was stolen–it’s all
still there.”
I don’t believe you! They must’ve taken the supplies and snuck them back! Thieves, both of them!”
“Madeline, have you lost your mind?” Nathaniel shot back. “Your husband’s dead, and now you’re always paranoid–picking fights with everyone, seeing thieves everywhere. Maybe it’s time you got some rest before you drive the whole group nuts!”
“Nat, let it go. Not worth it,” someone murmured.
“Let it go? Hell no!” Nathaniel barked. “Madeline, you think we owe you because your husband saved us once? Well, guess what–enough is enough. Nobody owes you anything anymore, so quit acting like we
do!”
Madeline’s face contorted with fury, and she lunged at him, striking him across the chest. “You do owe me! If you’ve got the guts, bring my husband back to life! Why didn’t you die instead?!”
“Enough!” Landon’s voice cut through the chaos like a whip.
Madeline turned to him, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re yelling at me now? Have you forgotten what Samuel did for you? He treated you like his own brother–risked his life for you over and over again– and now that he’s gone, this is how you repay him?!”
“Madeline…
“Don’t bother!” she shouted, then turned and bolted up the stairs, sobbing.
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. No one followed her. No one tried to comfort her.
Landon stood there, stunned. Then, he turned to Theresa and the others, clearly embarrassed. “Sorry you had to see that. Let me show you to some empty rooms so you can get settled.”
He led them upstairs.
There were plenty of empty rooms. The place even had water–spring water from l
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Chapter 242 The Price of the Living
after the recent heavy rains, it was cloudy and full of sediment.
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Theresa quietly summoned clean water using her water–based ability, took a much–needed shower, and changed into fresh clothes,
As she stepped out of her room, she heard voices whispering from around the comer.
“Amelia, I caught you. You’re the one who took the supplies!”
Tanner, what are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb! I saw you sneaking the supplies back after Madeline ran off. You’re one of those space- based ability users, aren’t you!”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Still playing innocent? Fine. I’ll just tell everyone what you are. ”
Tanner, no! Please–I’m begging you!”
Tanner let out a sly chuckle. Then, come to my room tonight. Take care of me, and maybe I’ll think about keeping quiet.”
The voices stopped abruptly. Theresa heard footsteps moving away.
Just then, the door across from her creaked open. Lucas stepped out, his brow furrowed. “Theresa, what are you looking at?”
“A good show
She didn’t even notice that Lucas had started calling her by name.
Later that evening, Landon invited Theresa’s group to join them for dinner.
“ Good thing Madeline didn’t come down, ” Nathaniel muttered. “If that crazy woman saw us sharing food. with you, she’d probably lose her mind.”
Graham couldn’t help but ask, “So… who is Ma to all of you?”
“Her husband was our former team leader–Samuel Hunter. He died a few days ago saving our lives. Ever since then, she’s been losing it. Look, we know we owe Samuel, but there’s only so much of her we can take, Nathaniel replied.
Landon stood up. “Go ahead and cat. I’ll check on her.
Theresa gave him a small nod. Once he was gone, Nathaniel leaned back in his chair.
“Let’s be honest–this is the end of the world. People are just trying to survive. We can’t keep living for the dead.
He had barely finished the sentence when Tanner let out a mocking laugh. “That’s real wise of you, Nathaniel. Just make sure you stay alive, then. ‘Cause if you die, your little brother
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Chapter 242 The Price of the Living
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Madeline.”
“You son of a Nathaniel shot up, furious.
“Nat, come on. Let it go
“I let it go, alright. I’ll just steer clear of him altogether, Tanner said, standing up. He glanced meaningfully at Amelia, then headed for the stairs.
Only when Tanner had disappeared did Nathaniel finally relax. He stared up the staircase, then turned to the pale–faced teenager beside him.
Julian if I’m ever not around anymore, you have to be strong, okay? Don’t let yourself be a burden to anyone. Live.
Julian, his fair skin flushed and eyes glistening with unshed tears, shook his head fiercely.
“No, Nat. You’re not gonna die.”
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