The jungle was alive with a symphony of buzzing insects, rustling leaves. Nate led the way, his eyes darting between the dense foliage and the uneven ground. His muscles tensed at every unexpected sound. Behind him, Alice followed, her steps careful and deliberate. Axel trailed behind with an air of careless bravado, hands in his pockets as if they were on a casual stroll.
Suddenly, the underbrush ahead rustled violently. All three of them froze. Nate raised a hand for silence, his eyes narrowing at the bush.
"Who the fuck's there?" Axel's loud, cocky voice shattered the tension.
Nate whipped his head around, glaring at him. "Axel, keep your voice down!"
But Axel wasn't listening. Instead, he stepped forward, his tone rising. "I said, who the fuck's there? Show yourself before I come in there and drag you out!"
Nate hissed through gritted teeth. "Axel, stop moving and stay quiet. Now."
Axel smirked. "Relax, Mr. Jungle Expert. I've got this."
