Eliza kept the gun at the ready, her eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement.
The forest was an unpredictable maze, where any shadow could conceal a lurking threat, and every snap of a twig felt like the prelude to an ambush.
Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing in her ears as if the whole world could hear it... Every little sound felt like a threat to her hears..
Nikolas led the way, moving swiftly yet cautiously through the underbrush, Vaughn's limp body weighing heavily in his arms.
He was injured, battered from the brutal fight, but his focus was unyielding.
Every step was measured, every sound scrutinized.
He was acutely aware of the danger they were still in... this forest could easily become their grave if they let their guard down... even for a second..
The path ahead was treacherous, winding through dense trees and uneven ground.
