*Michael*

Shelby's name died on my lips as I staggered back out of the dense foliage, my chest heaving with exertion. I rubbed my hand over my mouth, forgetting they were covered in blood. The metallic tang of copper flooded my senses, mingling with the sharp brine of the sea as I swiped a shaking hand across my brow.

Red streaked my shirt, my face, every exposed surface now that I'd hacked my way so savagely through the unforgiving brush desperately searching ...