THE ENCOUNTER

The sun was just coming out to resume its daily task, for it shed light over the forest, casting a warm orange glow over the trees as Sebastian stepped out of his car. He took a deep breath, feeling the crisp air fill his lungs, and gazed out at the familiar landscape. It had been a month since he'd last searched for the omega, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd abandoned her.

"Let's get moving," he said to Scott, who nodded silently and fell into step beside him.

As they walked, the rustle of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath their feet served as a reminder of the forest's vastness. Sebastian's senses were on high alert, his ears perked up and his nose twitching as he scanned their surroundings.

"I've been thinking," Scott said, breaking the silence. "Maybe we should try a different approach this time. We can't just keep searching blindly."

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. "I've been thinking the same thing. We need a new plan."

They walked in silence for a few moments, the