His laughter echoed through the room, chilling and triumphant. The doctor didn't look back as he left, heading toward the cages where Jaden and little Hope awaited their grim fate.
__________
Meanwhile, after what felt like an eternity trudging through the dense, shadowy forest, the survivors finally huddled together in a cave. The air was thick with tension, as the growls and snarls of monsters echoed from all directions. Their sounds were louder than ever, their presence magnified by Scarlett's proximity. However, the beasts remained at bay, not attacking, as if sensing that Scarlett wasn't in immediate danger.
"Are we really safe here?" Louise asked, his voice barely above a whisper while panting heavily for breath. His gaze darted nervously around the cave entrance, his fingers twitching as though bracing for a sudden attack. "I can't help but to think that those monsters might be attacking us soon."
