23. The Creature of The Jungle

“What are you?” Jayden’s voice cracked as his eyes widened in disbelief. Hawkbone didn’t answer. Instead, he turned away, his steps slow and deliberate as he began walking toward the shadowy cave ahead. Jayden hesitated for only a moment before following, his instincts torn between fear and curiosity. The moonlight spilled through the gaps in the trees, illuminating the cave’s entrance with a glow. The pale light was enough for Jayden to catch a clear view of Hawkbone’s upper body as the man suddenly dropped to his knees. “Are you okay?” Jayden asked, his voice tight with concern. He moved closer, reaching out a helping hand. But before he could touch him, Hawkbone jerked away. It wasn’t sickness that wracked his body—it was something far more sinister. Hawkbone’s head tilted back, a guttural laugh escaping his throat. It wasn’t laughter born of humor but of something primal and raw. The sound morphed into a growl, laced with pain, as his body began to contort. His bones cracked with s