The jungle was different at night.
Sounds that Owen had learned to identify during the day transformed into something else. Predators moved through the canopy. Larger things prowled below. The darkness was absolute—no moons, no stars visible through the thick foliage.
Owen and Gorvax moved carefully. CE senses extended. Alert.
They'd been searching for three hours.
"Korvan could be anywhere," Owen said quietly. "Jungle zones span hundreds of kilometers."
"He'll find us before we find him," Gorvax replied. "If he's been here three seasons, he knows who to watch for."
"You think he's tracking us?"
"I would be."
They continued through dense vegetation. Crossed streams. Avoided a Tier 5, four-star predator's territory.
Then Owen felt it.
A presence. Close. Concealed perfectly but present.
"Korvan," Owen called out. "We know you're there."
Silence.
"We need information. Nothing else. No fight. No competition."
More silence.
