The Gamma He Thought Could Survive Anything Chapter 05
Theron’s POV
I froze. A suffocating pressure crashed into my chest.
“What do you mean, gone?”
The man handed me a camera.
“Look familiar? Someone you know?”
I recognized it instantly. The same model. The little
pangolin sticker Lyra loved was still on it.
It was the second birthday gift I’d ever given her.
She’d always been fiercely independent. After accepting it, she’d worked part–time for three months just to buy me a gift of equal value.
Back then, I’d thought I’d messed up. That the gift burdened her, that she didn’t like it.
But she brought it everywhere. Captured the world through her eyes.
I knew she loved it.
I nodded and asked hurriedly, “Where is she?”
The man wiped the rain from his face.
“No clue. Strange thing–I saw her lying there, but when I ran over, she was gone. Just the camera.”
“Could’ve imagined it, or rogues. So I hurried down to tell everyone.”
The breath I’d almost managed to release caught in my throat.
Around us, members of Mossvale Pack were already
discussing the rogue attacks that had been harassing the pack’s borders over the past few years.
At last, the rescue wolves arrived. I changed into dry
clothes and prepared to head back up the mountain with them.
I knew the route. I knew where we’d separated. I could
help narrow the search.
Just then, Ophelia climbed off the treatment bed, holding a thermos in her hands.
“How much longer? I need to get back and edit my film.”
“So tired. Never coming back to this backwater.”
“Worth it, though. Even better if I win.”
I picked up my gear without looking at her.
“Lyra’s missing. I’m finding her.”
“Go back with the healers, or stay. Your choice.”
She grabbed the corner of my jacket.
“There are plenty of rescue wolves here. Plus warriors.
They don’t need you.”
“You’d be more useful taking me back. I hate being alone—such a hassle.”
I stared at her in disbelief.
“Lyra’s missing. Dead or alive–and you don’t care?”
She shrugged. “Sad, sure. But my worrying changes nothing.”
“Everyone’s responsible for themselves. Useless emotions mean nothing–your words, right?”
I frowned. For the first time, the woman standing in
front of me felt like a complete stranger.
“So this has nothing to do with you?”
“You kicked your pack off a cliff. Took her raincoat,
her blanket. Without Lyra, that’s you up there. You owe her your life.”
Ophelia remained completely unfazed,
“Don’t pin this on me. I’m not buying it.”
“You took her pack. You shoved her aside. If we’re
naming killers–you’re the one who pushed her there.”