Athena made her decision. Even under the hammering rain and the sharp protests of the others, she stood firm. "I'm going back out."
Lisa gaped at her. "Are you insane? You just got back! The storm's even worse now!"
"We don't have a choice." Athena's voice was steady, unwavering. "She's getting worse. If that venom spreads, we'll lose her."
Darren shook his head. "We don't even know what stung her! You're walking into danger blind."
Athena met his gaze. "I'll take my chances."
The others fell silent, tension crackling between them like the lightning in the sky.
Marco finally sighed, rubbing a hand down his drenched face. "At least take someone with you."
"No," Athena said firmly. "I'll move faster alone."
A fresh gust of wind ripped through the camp, rattling their shelters.
Athena pulled her hood tighter over her head and turned away before anyone could argue further. And then, she was gone.
