Prematurely Death

Upon reaching the extraction coordinates, Hobe carefully lowered Kate, propping her against the sturdy trunk of a tree.

He found a momentary respite by leaning against another tree, all the while keeping a firm grip on the rope tethered to the weeping scientist.

Hobe closed his eyes briefly, taking a moment to regulate his breath and collect himself.

As he opened his eyes, his gaze shifted to the distraught scientist, whose tears flowed unabated, echoing the anguish that had unfolded in the heart of the forest.

Hobe's eyes bore the weight of exhaustion and the countless struggles etched into his expression.

While, still, the scientist's cries echoed through the silent night, a stark contrast to the fading sounds of nocturnal creatures resuming their activities.

"You did this! You're one of them!" The scientist's accusatory tone cut through the air, a desperate attempt to shift blame in the face of her own despair.