CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR – FOREST MISSION

The forest quickly grew dense around them. Marion took point, his broad shoulders pushing aside low-hanging branches. Kelly ranged to their flanks, sharp eyes scanning constantly. Vivienne brought up the rear, occasionally shooting suspicious glances at Laura. Laura focused on putting one foot in front of the other, determined not to slow their pace. The uneven terrain and gnarled roots threatened to trip her with each step. After an hour of silent travel, Kelly held up a hand for them to halt. She cocked her head, listening intently. "What is it?" Marion whispered. Kelly frowned. "Not sure. Something big moving to the northeast. But the scent is... off." "Could it be one of Carter's experiments?" Laura asked. Vivienne scoffed. "And how would you know what those smell like?" Before Laura could retort, a bone-chilling howl split the air. It started as a normal wolf cry but twisted into something unnatural and guttural. "Move!" Marion barked. They broke into a run, dodging trees