章 313: Story 313: Echoes in the Dark

The growl echoed through the dense forest, low and menacing, as if the trees themselves were warning Zara and her team to turn back. Zara’s grip on her twin blades tightened, her muscles coiled like a spring. She signaled for the group to fan out silently, their weapons drawn.

“Eyes on me,” Zara whispered, her voice barely audible. “Stay close and keep moving. Whatever’s out there, we can’t let it surround us.”

Mia and Andre exchanged wary glances but followed Zara’s lead, stepping lightly through the undergrowth. Callum took up the rear, his rifle raised, scanning their surroundings for any signs of movement.

The forest seemed unnaturally still, as if holding its breath. The shadows between the trees seemed to stretch and twist, playing tricks on their eyes. Zara’s instincts screamed at her that they were being hunted.

A sudden rustle to her left made Zara spin on her heel, her blades ready. A fleeting shape darted between the trees, too fast to make out.