Jessica moved cautiously, her every step measured.
Her mind was sharp, her instincts on edge.
She knew something was wrong.
Max should have been hiding, but instead, they were being hunted.
And if it wasn't Max… then someone else was out there.
That thought alone was terrifying.
Then—
She saw it.
Blood.
A few dark red drops, scattered on the ground near a tree.
Her eyes narrowed.
'Blood?'
Her body tensed as she stepped forward, examining the area.
Then—more blood.
On the tree bark.
On the trunk.
Above.
A trail.
And then, it clicked.
'Max.'
She didn't rush.
She didn't immediately climb the tree to confirm.
Instead—she acted smart.
Her hand flicked to her holowatch.
A silent alert was sent.
A ping to the others, marking her location.
If this was truly Max, they needed to move together.
If it was a trap… she wouldn't fall for it alone.
Now, all she had to do—
Was wait.
Jessica's silent signal didn't take long to bring reinforcements.
