The forest was alive with sounds—rustling leaves, distant howls, and the occasional snap of a branch under unseen feet. Claire crouched low behind a fallen log, her breath visible in the cold night air.

“They’re close,” she whispered, eyes scanning the shadows. “I can hear them moving… hunting.”

You swallowed hard, gripping your makeshift weapon. “Predator-mutants?”

Claire nodded grimly. “Yeah. They’re fast, smart… and they won’t stop until they catch something. We need to stay silent and keep moving.”

The two of you crept along a narrow path, the moonlight barely piercing the thick canopy. Every rustle of leaves made your heart jump, and Claire’s calm, precise movements helped steady your nerves.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed from behind a cluster of trees. Claire froze, signaling you to do the same. A hulking shadow moved between the trunks—its glowing eyes locking on her.

“They’ve found me,” she hissed. “We need to move… now!”

You followed her lead as she guided you through the underbrush, leaping over roots and dodging low-hanging branches. Every so often, she would glance back, making sure you were still with her.

“I’ve got an idea,” Claire whispered, pointing to a fallen tree that formed a natural bridge over a stream. “If we can get across, they might not follow.”

You nodded, heart pounding, and carefully followed her across the log. Halfway through, one of the predator-mutants lunged from the shadows, claws scraping against bark. Claire swung her weapon with precision, striking it and forcing it back.

“Keep moving!” she shouted.

After what felt like hours, you finally reached a small clearing. Claire quickly gathered branches and started a tiny, contained fire, the flickering flames casting long shadows.

“They’re not here… for now,” she said, keeping her eyes on the dark tree line. “We need to rest, but stay alert.”

You exhaled, finally feeling a sliver of relief. “I don’t know how you stay so calm.”

Claire shrugged, though her eyes were still sharp. “Experience. Focus. And a little stubbornness. Plus… having someone to watch my back helps.”

You glanced at her, realizing how much you trusted her—not just as a survivor, but as your partner in this nightmare. “I’ll always have your back too,” you said.

Claire gave you a small, tired smile. “Good. Because in these woods… it’s all we’ve got.”