Jax Cross

Jax gripped the rough rope tighter as he dragged the small buck's carcass behind him, scraping against fallen branches and rocks. The night had fallen an hour ago, casting sinister shadows over everything—twisted silhouettes and gnarled tree branches resembling skeletal hands... Christ. As much as Jax dismissed childhood tales of spirits and monsters, his imagination played tricks on him. Suddenly, without warning, his dogs bolted towards a shadowy cave entrance emitting terrifying sounds. Fueled by dread for Darling’s safety, Jax pursued them recklessly into the darkness, rifle in hand, shouting threats at whatever lurked ahead: "Whoever—or whatever—you are, show yourself! I’m not afraid to pull this trigger."