Secret Enemy

Alex's breath caught in their throat as they edged closer to the still figure hidden within the foliage. The eerie silence of the jungle felt oppressive, every sound magnified in the heavy atmosphere.

"Who's there?" Alex called out again, trying to keep the tremor out of their voice. Still, no response.

Their instincts screamed at them to turn around, but something about the figure drew them forward, an invisible pull that they couldn't resist. Maybe it was desperation for answers. Maybe it was the gnawing sense that whatever was in front of them held the key to understanding what had just happened—or what was about to happen.

As they approached, the figure shifted ever so slightly. Its movement was stiff, unnatural, as if its joints hadn't moved in years. Alex squinted through the thick underbrush, trying to get a clearer look. There was something off about the shape—it wasn't fully human, or at least not anymore.