The Jagras pack had already been observed by the new group, their initial meeting tense but without outright aggression. Now, as they settled into the unfamiliar territory, their movements remained cautious, the weight of uncertainty still pressing upon them. Their Great Jagras, still bearing wounds from the chaotic retreat, kept to the center of the group, its breaths coming in slow, measured huffs. The others surrounded it protectively, though unease rippled through them. They were running out of options.The new pack had allowed them to stay, though wariness remained in their postures. They were larger in number, well-fed, their scales glistening under the patches of moonlight breaking through the canopy. A low growl passed through their ranks—a reminder that trust had not yet been earned.Though the immediate threat of hostility had passed, silence remained thick between them. The injured Jagras settled, licking their wounds and regaining strength, but the Great Jagras stirred uneasily. It blinked more often than normal, its breathing irregular. When it stood, its movements seemed slightly off—just enough to be noticeable. The others in the pack were starting to watch it closely, wary of the subtle changes. The Great Jagras shook its head, as if trying to dispel something, then slowly lowered itself back to the ground.The night deepened, and the jungle pulsed with life, but the infected were patient. They lurked beyond the tree line, shifting within the darkness. The smaller creatures, the ones that had been gathered and turned, clung to the branches above, their tiny claws scraping against the bark. They did not move yet. They only observed.Within the pack, tension simmered. The uninfected Jagras, though not openly hostile, kept their distance, their eyes tracking every movement of the weary group. A few sniffed at them, recoiling slightly at an unfamiliar scent—one that carried a faint, unnatural musk. The Great Jagras of the welcoming pack stood a distance away, its gaze locked onto the wounded leader, sensing something off but unable to pinpoint why.Morning approached, but the forest did not quiet. It was as if the trees themselves held their breath, waiting. The infected creatures would not strike yet. They had learned. They would wait for weakness, for the moment when hunger or exhaustion lowered their guard.The Great Jagras, still in control but teetering on the edge, let out a low, thoughtful growl. It would need to stay strong. For the pack. For itself. But the infection was patient.It always was.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Special thanks to: CherryBlossomGirl17, Vaelixzies and ZyranidWarfare!Thanks for keeping up with the chapters as well as voting and commenting!Means a lot to me!