72. An Unseen Bond

Jayden’s blood turned ice-cold. Her voice wasn’t just calling for help—it was filled with agony, raw and unfiltered, the kind of scream that sent terror slicing through his veins. He shot to his feet, eyes darting around. Dense jungle surrounded him, the trees stretching endlessly into the sky. He was no longer in the ruined town, no longer in the sanatorium. The world had shifted. He sniffed the air, inhaling deeply, searching—there! Swan’s scent. His muscles tensed, and he took off running. The jungle blurred past him as he sprinted, his heart hammering in his chest. Twigs and leaves crunched beneath his boots, branches lashed at his arms, but he didn't slow down. He pushed harder, faster, leaping over fallen logs, ducking under low-hanging vines. Then he heard it. Laughter. Low, cruel, and inhuman. Jayden came to a halt, his breath ragged. Just ahead, beyond the thick forest, shadows danced around a flickering bonfire. Figures moved, their laughter blending with the crackle of flame