Chapter 31: Hidden Agendas: This Betrayal Was Planned Long Before I Even Met The...

I've never seen any of these areas on map. Branches reach out like gnarled fingers, snagging my clothes and hair as if trying to hold me back. Maybe they're warning me.

Maybe I should listen.

I keep my eyes on Jay's back as he leads the way, cutting through undergrowth with his claws (partial arm transformation).

His shoulders are rigid with tension, head constantly turning as if to catch something. He's been growing more agitated with each passing hour.

"You okay?" I call ahead, ducking under a low-hanging branch.

He doesn't answer immediately, which is becoming a pattern. "Fine," he finally says, but the word sounds hollow.

The compass in my hand still points stubbornly southwest, but I'm starting to hate the damn thing.