Meanwhile, back in the forest, Jaden managed to slip free from among the monsters. He had no idea how he had ended up in this terrifying place, but for now, survival was all that mattered. More monsters still roamed the dense woods, their guttural growls echoing in the cold, damp air. Every step he took was calculated, his breaths shallow and controlled. He moved stealthily, using the thick trees as cover, his heart pounding each time a twig snapped beneath his feet.
Despite his success in avoiding the creatures thus far, the overwhelming sense of isolation pressed down at him. Jaden had no idea how to find Scarlett or the rest of the group. He was utterly lost and could only cling to the desperate hope of stumbling upon them by sheer luck.
