The figures stopped abruptly, and the group's grip on their weapons tightened. Seconds stretched into an eternity as the intruders hesitated, their intentions unclear.
As they moved through the underbrush, the rustling sound grew louder. Scarlett's sharp gaze locked onto shadowy figures emerging from the darkness. The dim light revealed a ragged group of humans, their clothes shabby and torn, faces smeared with dirt.
The moment Scarlett and her group appeared, the strangers froze in their tracks, their expressions a mix of terror and resignation.
"Who the hell are you people?" Louise bellowed, his voice sharp and edged with anger. He had already raised his gun, its barrel aimed directly at the trembling group. "Start talking now, or I swear I'll shoot every last one of you!"
