The human survivors pressed forward, their path lit only by the dim glow of mutated flora around them. Every step was cautious, every sound scrutinized. The battle with the wolf-plant hybrid lingered fresh in their minds, but Sarah couldn't shake the shock of seeing zombies that acted with such purpose—such intelligence.
Rick glanced over at her, his expression tight. "You're thinking about them, aren't you? Those… zombies?"
She nodded, still trying to make sense of it. "It's like they were protecting us. They fought off that creature. It doesn't make any sense."
"It's an apocalypse. Nothing makes sense anymore," he muttered, though his own thoughts seemed troubled. "But I think we need to be wary of everyone—human or not."
Before they could discuss it further, another figure stepped out from the shadows—a tall man with a military bearing, his face obscured by a hood. His clothes were ragged, but his gaze was sharp, assessing them with an intensity that made Sarah instinctively grip her crowbar.
"You're heading toward the heart of the forest," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "That's where the mutations are strongest."
Rick and Sarah exchanged wary glances. "Who are you?" Rick demanded, not lowering his weapon.
"A friend, if you want one," the man replied, his gaze shifting between them. "Name's Kane. And if you're planning to survive, you might want to listen."
---
POV: Jenna
From her vantage point, Jenna watched the humans interact with the newcomer, her curiosity piqued. "You think he's one of those guys from the lab?" she murmured to Carl.
Carl's eyes narrowed as he observed Kane. "Could be. If he is, then he's dangerous. They wouldn't send someone into this forest without reason."
Jenna tilted her head, fascinated. She'd come to realize that her instincts as a zombie were honed in ways she couldn't explain. Something about Kane's posture, the way he carried himself, felt off, and she knew she couldn't ignore it.
"Are we just going to stand here and watch?" she asked, a sly smile creeping onto her face.
Carl looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "You're not seriously suggesting we get closer, are you?"
"Of course I am." Jenna was already moving before Carl could argue. "If he's here to help, then great. If not, we'll know soon enough."
Carl sighed, signaling the others to follow as they slipped closer to the human group, staying hidden in the shadows.
---
POV: Kane
Kane's eyes flickered toward the shadows where Jenna and her zombies lingered, barely noticeable in the gloom. He could sense their presence but chose to ignore it for now.
"Whatever you're here for, you won't find it by wandering aimlessly," he said, his attention turning back to the humans. "There's a plant—a massive root system that stretches through this entire area. It's feeding off whatever's left of humanity. If you want to stop the mutations, you'll need to get to its core."
Sarah and Rick exchanged doubtful glances. "And you know this… how?" Sarah asked.
Kane shrugged, giving nothing away. "I've been tracking this mutation for a while now. Seen what it does to creatures, to people. If we don't stop it, it's only a matter of time before it spreads even further."
"What about you?" Rick asked. "Why are you helping us?"
Kane smirked, glancing toward the shadows once more. "Because I'm not the only one watching you."
---
POV: Carl
Carl felt a chill as Kane's eyes brushed over their hiding place. He exchanged a quick glance with Jenna. "He knows we're here," he whispered.
"Let's just make it official, then," Jenna said, stepping out into the clearing without hesitation.
The humans turned, their faces shifting from shock to outright confusion. Sarah instinctively raised her crowbar, only to hesitate when Jenna didn't attack. Carl followed, keeping his expression calm but wary as he observed Kane.
"You've got some nerve wandering into this forest," Kane said, folding his arms. "I'm guessing you're not the average type."
Jenna raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And you're clearly not just some random survivor. So, what are you doing here, really?"
Kane's gaze was steady, assessing her with the same suspicion. "Maybe I could ask you the same thing. But that might take too long."
Carl interjected, his voice even but cold. "We're not here to play games. If you know a way to stop these mutations, then let's get on with it. But if you're lying to us—"
Kane chuckled, clearly unfazed by the threat. "I assure you, I have no intention of wasting anyone's time."
He turned to face the humans and zombies alike, speaking with an intensity that left no room for doubt. "The core of the mutation is up ahead, at the center of the forest. We've got one shot at stopping it. But it won't be easy."