POV: Rick
The silence that followed the retreat was almost more unnerving than the battle itself. Rick stood in the middle of the clearing, his chest heaving as he scanned the tree line for any signs of movement. But Kane's forces were gone—for now.
"Is it over?" Sarah asked, her voice trembling.
"For now," Rick replied, his grip on his knife tightening. "But don't relax. This was a test. He's not done."
The group was battered and bloodied, their exhaustion palpable. Rick's gaze swept over them, lingering on Jenna, who was sitting on the ground, her crowbar resting limply in her lap.
"We need to move," he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Before they come back."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna let out a shaky laugh, her hands trembling as she wiped sweat from her brow. "Well, that was fun," she muttered, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Let's do it again sometime."
Her zombie gang groaned softly, huddling close to her as if seeking reassurance. Jenna patted one of them on the head, her usual grin faltering. "You guys did good. Real MVPs."
Carl approached, his sword still drawn. "You okay?"
"Define 'okay,'" Jenna replied, forcing a smile. "Because I think I lost about ten years off my undead life."
Carl didn't respond, but the faint flicker of concern in his eyes surprised her. "Stay close," he said finally. "We're not safe yet."
Jenna nodded, pushing herself to her feet. "Don't have to tell me twice."
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched the group from a hidden vantage point, his expression unreadable. The retreat had been intentional, a calculated move to keep the group off balance. They were strong, but strength meant nothing without endurance.
"They're struggling," Theo said, his tone pleased.
Kane's smile was faint but sharp. "Good. Let them struggle. The more they fight, the more mistakes they'll make."
---
POV: Rick
The group pressed on, their movements sluggish but determined. Rick led the way, his knife in hand and his senses on high alert. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig put him on edge.
"Rick," Sarah said quietly, falling into step beside him. "We can't keep this up. People are at their limit."
Rick's jaw tightened. "We don't have a choice. If we stop now, Kane will finish us."
Sarah hesitated but didn't argue. She knew he was right.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna trudged along at the back of the group, her zombie gang trailing behind her like loyal shadows. Her crowbar felt like dead weight in her hand, and her legs ached with every step.
"Hey, Carl," she said, glancing at the stoic zombie beside her. "You ever get tired of all this running and fighting?"
Carl didn't answer immediately. When he did, his tone was even. "No. It's necessary."
Jenna sighed dramatically. "Figures. You're all business, aren't you?"
Carl gave her a sidelong glance. "And you're not?"
"Hey, I'm a multi-tasker," Jenna replied, her grin returning. "I can fight and complain at the same time."
---
POV: Kane
Kane's controlled zombies moved silently through the forest, their glowing veins barely visible in the dim light. He followed at a measured pace, his sharp eyes fixed on the trail left by the group.
"They're heading toward the river," Theo said, his voice low.
"Good," Kane replied. "The terrain will slow them down. They'll be vulnerable."
Theo hesitated. "Should we strike again?"
Kane shook his head. "Not yet. Let them wear themselves out. When we strike, it will be final."
---
POV: Rick
The sound of rushing water reached Rick's ears, and he felt a flicker of hope. The river meant fresh water and a potential barrier against Kane's forces. It wasn't much, but it was something.
"We'll stop here," Rick announced, gesturing to the riverbank. "Set up camp and get some rest. But keep your weapons close. We're not out of danger yet."
The group moved to comply, their exhaustion evident in every movement. Rick watched them for a moment before turning his attention to the forest. Kane was out there, waiting. And Rick knew it was only a matter of time before he struck again.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna plopped down by the river, dipping her hands into the cool water with a sigh of relief. "Finally, a break. I was starting to think we'd never stop."
Her zombie gang gathered around her, growling softly as they poked at the water. Jenna chuckled. "Don't drink it, guys. Pretty sure zombies and hydration don't mix."
Carl sat nearby, his sword resting across his knees. Jenna glanced at him, her grin widening. "You know, for someone who's all about survival, you're surprisingly calm."
"Calm is how you survive," Carl replied without looking at her.
"Touché," Jenna said, leaning back on her elbows. "Maybe I'll try that someday."
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched from the shadows, his controlled zombies positioned strategically around the riverbank. The group was vulnerable, their guard lowered as they rested.
"Soon," Kane said quietly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Very soon."