The crackle of the campfire driftwood and the waves were the only sound that broke the dark, suffocating quiet of the ink-black beach.
The savory aroma of the roasting avian meat still lingered in the air, but the appetite of the teenagers had completely vanished the moment the words left the Commander's mouth.
James Maddox looked at Hide's rigid, unblinking posture, and the sharp, dangerous smile on his youthful face expanded into a loud, boisterous laugh that echoed out over the dark, churning ocean waves.
He clapped his hands together once, the sonic vibration instantly drawing the attention of the remaining three students who were huddled around the flames.
