The morning sun dappled through the canopy as Julian and Zoe walked in comfortable silence. The forest was alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. Zoe's ears twitched constantly, and her nose scented the air, a living radar system.
Julian, though appearing relaxed, mirrored her alertness. His own enhanced senses picked up what hers did, the faint, discordant sounds of heavy footsteps and clinking metal, accompanied by the coppery smell of fresh blood.
"Zoe," he said, his voice low. "We have company. Stay alert."
Zoe gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod, her body tensing like a spring, ready to explode into action.
A moment later, a group of five survivors broke through the treeline. They were heavily armed and armored, their gear scarred from recent combat. They were hauling a makeshift sled laden with the grotesque parts of a mutated monster, its black blood staining the ground. They looked weary but hardened.
