As the shadow solidified, Ethan's figure emerged from the darkness.
"Found you."
Behind him, Chris and the others lit up with joy, their hearts surging with relief. Finally—finally—they'd found one of their own.
Sean grinned, clearly just as relieved. "Ethan, man, you got here just in time. That damn snake had me half-paralyzed."
"Oh…" Ethan's eyes swept over the massive yellow-striped python. Its gaping maw was twisted into a grotesque snarl—and inside, there was still a human head lodged between its fangs. The thing looked downright monstrous.
Then his gaze shifted to Chris and the others. They were a mess—covered in dust, faces pale, clearly exhausted. And… someone was missing.
"Where's Mia?" Ethan asked, his tone sharp.
"She got snatched by some monster!" Sean blurted out.
Ethan gave a small nod. "Figures." He didn't seem too worried, though. Knowing Mia, and judging by the strength of the creatures in this desert, she was probably still alive. Barely, maybe—but alive.
