The group moved forward in silence, their footsteps muffled by the damp earth, though now and then the snap of a dead branch rang out too loud. They all carried weapons: rifles, knives, even a makeshift spear. The tension was palpable, as if the air itself knew something was wrong.
Caelan and Jae walked close to Jess, who led the way with a hardened expression. The rifle hung across her chest, ready to be used.
"Are you going to tell us what's going on?" Caelan insisted, not bothering to lower his voice. "We don't understand anything. Why were there two versions of you? What does Nolan have to do with Rong Ye?"
"We already told you he's not dangerous," Jae added, clenching his fists at his sides. "He's just a scared kid. If you told us what's going on, we could help you find him faster."
Jess didn't stop. She kept walking with determination, her eyes scanning the surroundings through the trees.
