Chapter 17: The Refugee Caravan

The glowing eyes stared back at Mia, unblinking and otherworldly. Time seemed to freeze as the group held their breath, the faint rustle of leaves the only sound in the still forest. Caleb raised his weapon, his finger hovering over the trigger.

"Don't shoot," Mia whispered, her voice trembling.

Caleb hesitated, his grip tightening. "What if it's another one of those things?"

"It's not attacking," Mia said, taking a cautious step forward.

Zoe grabbed her arm, pulling her back. "Are you insane? We don't even know what it is."

Before anyone could react further, the eyes blinked out, disappearing into the shadows. The rustling grew louder, and the group tensed, their weapons ready.

Instead of an attack, a voice broke through the tension. "Please... don't shoot."