The creature suddenly moved. Instead of attacking Jasper directly, it circled to his left, forcing him away from the reservoir.
Another white shape emerged from the water behind him, cutting off the path he had been using to retreat.
Nick's face became tense. "They herd."
A third creature climbed out from the opposite side, positioning itself near the tunnel entrance.
Nick tightened his grip on his rifle. "They're trying to push him toward the center."
Jasper looked around and finally realized what was happening.
"Fuck..."
Gideon watched the creatures carefully.
They weren't attacking randomly. One kept Jasper moving while the others slowly closed the available routes, exactly like a hunting pack would.
Nick's voice became quieter. "They're doing exactly what Mire Stalkers do."
Gideon looked at the creatures again. Their bodies were obviously wrong, their flesh replaced by pale parasite tissue, but their movements were disturbingly natural.
"How common are they?"
