From behind, Jaxon caught up with the group after killing the last of the infected dogs. He dropped to one knee beside a soldier struggling to protect a survivor, hoisted the person up in a single motion, and shoved them forward.
"Keep your head, run!" he yelled, voice sharp.
Ahead, Thomas fired at a crawler leaping from the trees, but his shots missed as it lunged toward him. Before it could strike, the creature's head exploded mid-air.
Thomas blinked, his ears still ringing from the crawler's roar. He glanced back, and his eyes widened. Jaxon was already there. 'He shot that while moving?'
Their eyes met for a brief second, and an unspoken understanding passed between them. Thomas would hold the front, and Jaxon would cover the rear. Without a word, they moved in sync, each taking their position as the chaos pressed in around them.
"Everyone! Stay calm! Stay behind the soldiers!" Thomas barked, rallying the scattered men and re-forming the front line.
