The journey back was worse than before. The storm showed no mercy, drenching them in relentless sheets of rain.
The wind howled, lashing against their bodies and forcing them to lean forward as they trudged through the muddy terrain. Water pooled in their boots, making every step heavier.
Lisa slipped again, this time landing hard on one knee. She cursed under her breath, struggling to get up.
"Here." Athena grabbed her arm and pulled her up with ease.
Lisa exhaled sharply. "You ever consider being a full-time survivalist?"
Athena didn't answer. Her mind was elsewhere. The feeling of being watched still clung to her skin like a second layer of cold.
She kept glancing behind her, scanning the darkened trees. No one was there. But something was.
By the time they reached camp, the situation had worsened. More contestants lay curled in their shelters, their fevers intensifying.
