Beneath the Searchlight

The group moved as one, their breaths shallow and labored as they pushed through the bushes. The forest was alive with sound: the crunch of their hurried steps, the whisper of leaves rustling in the breeze, and the occasional hoot of an owl somewhere in the distance. Scarlett led the way, her senses heightened by the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Ellen stumbled again, her knees buckling. Nathan caught her just before she hit the ground, his arm slipping around her waist for support. "She's burning up," he said, concern etched into his voice.

"We need to stop," Catherine said, stepping forward and placing a hand on Ellen's forehead. "Her pulse is weak, and she's dehydrated. Pushing her further in this condition is dangerous."

"We can't stop here," Scarlett interjected, her voice edged with frustration. "We're too exposed." She scanned the darkened forest, her sharp eyes searching for any sign of movement.