Julian's POV
The deeper we moved into the woods, the tighter my chest felt. The air was colder now—too still, like even nature was holding its breath.
I walked ahead of the group, gun raised, eyes locked on Anna's tablet as she tracked the heat signatures.
"Quarter mile," she whispered, close behind me. "Two figures. Stationary. Small structure nearby."
Callum flanked my left. Sebastian had the rear. Damian, for once, said nothing—his eyes scanning the trees like a man finally taking this personally.
Good.
Because if we didn't get to Elena tonight, none of us would sleep again.
The trail narrowed. Tree limbs clawed at my jacket, but I didn't stop. Couldn't.
Every second ticked against us.
Then—just ahead—a shape emerged through the trees.
A cabin. No lights. Covered in moss and darkness.
My pulse spiked.
"This it?" I whispered.
Anna nodded. "That's where the heat signature is strongest."
I raised a fist, signaling everyone to halt. Then pointed.
