Isabel POV
The faint murmur of voices drifted through the trees, low but distinct. My pulse quickened, every instinct screaming at me to move, to run.
Miguel crouched beside Diego, his head tilting toward the sound. His expression hardened, and he motioned for me to stay low.
"They're close," he whispered.
"Too close," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
Marissa slipped through the brush; her movements nearly silent. She crouched near us; her face drawn. "Four of them," she said. "Armed. Moving toward the hollow."
Miguel cursed under his breath, his grip tightening on his rifle. Diego stirred, his eyes fluttering open.
"We can't fight them," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the growing panic in my chest. "Not with Diego like this."
Marissa nodded. "Agreed. We'll have to outmaneuver them." She said her voice very firm.
Miguel glanced at Diego, then back at us. "You two take him. I'll lead them away."
