Caleb's P.O.V

Branches cracked under my boots as I pushed myself harder, my lungs burning, but I refused to slow down. Damien was just ahead of me, his breathing ragged but determined, and Shane trailed behind us, muttering curses under his breath until finally he snapped, his voice loud and cutting through the night air.

"Why the hell didn't we go back to the packhouse?" he shouted, his tone sharp with frustration. "We could've found shelter there, maybe even regrouped. ...