The remaining soldiers stared in disbelief. They’d been told what they were up against before they started, but the shock of what had just transpired shook every man to his core. Their friend had been there one moment and then gone as fast as the lightning of the storm and each knew that they could be next.

The Lieutenant returned to his senses and immediately rallied his men. He knew how the beasts operated. The soldier wasn’t dead, at least not yet. He was more than likely in the same place as the little girl. The map had said another quarter mile to the cave. He gave the signal to move out. If they were quick enough, they may even catch the monster as it moved through the trees.

He was again thankful for this storm as his squad rushed in their new direction. They ducked under branches and jumped over logs as they scanned the trees above for any sign of the lost soldier or his captor. They should have been watching the ground, looking out for their own sakes. Not every pile of leaves is so innocent.