Chapter 146: Chapter 12: The Forbidden Ritual

The team reached the ridge, its high vantage point providing a sweeping view of the dark forest surrounding New Haven and Pleasant Valley. George scanned the trees below, the heavy silence stretching as they settled into their positions. Each member of the patrol kept their senses sharp, alert for the slightest movement.

After a moment, George motioned for Madison to cover their rear while Heather focused on the forest below. He felt a creeping unease from their earlier encounter with the lone ghoul; its behavior nagged at him like an unsolved riddle.

Luis crouched beside him, whispering, "That ghoul was acting strange. I've never seen one alone like that."