POV: Rick
The campfire flickered as Rick stared into the flames, his thoughts racing. The image of the alpha wolf's glowing veins was burned into his mind. The creature wasn't just mutated—it was engineered. Something, or someone, was shaping these monsters, and it wasn't nature.
"We can't keep going like this," Sarah said, breaking the silence. She sat across from Rick, her knife in hand as she absently carved grooves into a piece of wood. "Every fight leaves us weaker."
Rick nodded. "That's why we need to figure out what we're up against. If we don't, we're just sitting ducks."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Sarah asked, her tone skeptical. "It's not like we can just walk up to whoever's behind this and ask for their evil monologue."
Rick smirked despite himself. "We start with what we know. The mutations are spreading, getting stronger, and they're not random. Someone's controlling this. We need to find them before they find us."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna lay sprawled on her back near the edge of camp, staring up at the cloudy sky. Her zombie gang was gathered around her, their soft groans blending into the background noise. She idly tossed a small glowing shard from the alpha wolf into the air, catching it and examining its faint light.
"You know," she said, addressing no one in particular, "it's kind of pretty. In a terrifying, might-kill-you sort of way."
One of her zombies groaned, and Jenna nodded as if it had said something profound. "Exactly. Glad we're on the same page."
Carl appeared beside her, his shadow falling over her face. "You're playing with that thing like it's a toy."
Jenna grinned up at him. "It's shiny. Shiny things make me happy."
Carl sighed, crossing his arms. "Do you ever take anything seriously?"
"Not if I can help it," Jenna replied, sitting up and tucking the shard into her spatial space. "Why? Is it bothering you?"
Carl shook his head, though his faint smile betrayed his exasperation. "I just don't get you sometimes."
"That's part of my charm," Jenna said, brushing dirt off her pants. "Keeps things interesting."
---
POV: Kane
Kane leaned against a tree, watching Jenna and Carl from a distance. His eyes narrowed as he observed their interaction, the playful banter and easy camaraderie. Jenna's unpredictability was both a strength and a weakness, and Kane intended to exploit it.
"She doesn't belong with them," Theo muttered, appearing beside him. "She's a liability."
"She's a wildcard," Kane corrected. "And wildcards can be very useful… if you know how to play them."
Theo scowled. "You think she's worth the risk?"
Kane smiled faintly. "Oh, I know she is."
---
POV: Rick
Rick gathered the group around the campfire as night fell, the flickering light casting shadows across their faces. He scanned the group, noting the exhaustion and tension etched into every expression.
"We need to talk about our next steps," Rick said, his tone firm. "The mutations are getting worse, and we can't afford to be caught off guard again."
"What are you suggesting?" Sarah asked, her arms crossed.
Rick hesitated, his gaze drifting to Carl and Jenna. "We need to split up. One group stays here to fortify the camp, and the other goes out to gather intel. We need answers, and we're not going to find them sitting here."
Jenna raised her hand. "I vote I stay here. Fortifying sounds way less dangerous than whatever intel-gathering involves."
Rick ignored her. "Carl, you're with me. Jenna, you stay behind and help guard the camp."
Jenna frowned. "Wait, why do I have to stay? I'm great at gathering intel."
"Because you're also great at attracting chaos," Rick said flatly. "We need someone here to keep an eye on things."
Jenna huffed, crossing her arms. "Fine. But don't come crying to me when you miss out on my brilliant insights."
---
POV: Carl
As the group prepared to move out, Carl approached Jenna, who was sulking near her zombie gang. "You'll be fine here," he said, his tone softer than usual.
"Of course I'll be fine," Jenna replied, tossing her crowbar from hand to hand. "I'm always fine. You, on the other hand, might not survive without me."
Carl smirked. "I think I'll manage."
Jenna grinned, though there was a flicker of worry in her eyes. "Just… don't do anything stupid, okay?"
Carl nodded, his expression serious. "You either."
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched as Rick's group set out, his mind already working through the possibilities. Splitting up was a smart move on Rick's part, but it also left the camp vulnerable—and ripe for manipulation.
He glanced at Theo, who was sharpening a knife nearby. "Stay ready," Kane said. "Things are about to get interesting."
Theo looked up, his scowl deepening. "What are you planning?"
Kane's smile was cold. "You'll see."