Chapter 4
From the group of strange beasts, one larger than the rest stepped forward. It was their leader. The creature growled, its massive jaws opening—and from its mouth fell the severed leg of Jack's dog.
Jack's hands clenched into fists. His body shook with fury. Ignoring Kale's warnings, he charged forward, throwing punches at the beast. But the leader was too fast. With a single swipe, it knocked Jack to the ground.
Jack gasped, struggling to move as the beast loomed over him, ready to strike the final blow.
Kale stood frozen. Her mind screamed at her to run—to save herself. Her heart, however, burned with guilt.
Run. Save yourself.
No! Save him!
Gritting her teeth, she made her choice.
With all her strength, she grabbed a sharpened branch from the ground and charged. She leaped into the air, driving the wooden spear deep into the beast's skull.
The leader let out a final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing. The other creatures, seeing their leader fall, howled in fear and scattered into the darkness.
Jack coughed, lifting his head. He saw Kale standing over the beast's lifeless body, panting, her hands trembling.
He let out a weak chuckle. "I thought I was dead."
Kale turned to him, her face unreadable. "So did I."
Jack sat up, wincing. "You abandoned me... but you came back."
Kale took a deep breath. "My heart was my enemy—it told me to run. But my brain told me to save you. We need to get our weapons back from the raiders."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "How?"
Kale smirked, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "I have a plan."
To be continued…