Branches started swaying violently as the wind picked up speed, carrying the sharp scent of rain and ocean salt. The leaves rattled like warning bells, and distant flashes of lightning illuminated the sky behind the hills.
"Come on," Jean said, already scrambling back down the slope.
The dirt had become loose under their feet, and a few stones dislodged, tumbling downward with dangerous speed. Logan stayed close, occasionally reaching out to steady Jean as she led the way.
Just as they reached the denser part of the forest again, the first droplets of rain began to fall. Light at first, like a warning. Then it came all at once… sheets of cold rain pelting them from all directions.
"Shit!" Logan cursed, shielding his eyes.
"Come on! This way!" Jean grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the direction of the beach.
The wind howled now, bending trees and sending loose leaves flying in every direction. The forest had turned chaotic, like nature itself was raging.
