The man froze, his body tense as he glanced around, clearly trying to assess his options. The rest of Marcus's team had already taken positions, weapons aimed, ready to engage at any sign of resistance.
"Hands up!" one of the soldiers shouted, his rifle trained on the target. "Do it now!"
For a moment, the man hesitated, his gaze darting toward the thicker part of the forest, as if weighing the risk of making a run for it. Marcus could see the panic in his eyes, the desperation of a man who knew he was cornered.
"Don't even think about it," Marcus growled, stepping forward slowly. "You take one step, and it's over. Hands up. Slowly."
The man's chest heaved as he raised his hands, palms open in surrender, but his eyes still flicked nervously around. Marcus knew this type—the kind who was waiting for an opening, hoping for a mistake.
"Get down on your knees!" another soldier ordered, stepping closer with his weapon aimed directly at the man's chest.
