The raid pushed deeper. The normal green foliage fought for space against the crimson menace. In some places, entire trees had been consumed, their leaves blood-red and their branches wrapped in thorny vines.
Lena stopped. The raid halted.
"What?" Helga asked. Lena opened her mouth to speak, but it was too late.
A scream split the air. One of the survivors from a smaller group, a young man, maybe Level 60, thrashed as red vines erupted from the ground. They coiled around his legs, his waist, and his chest. Thorns punctured his armor, drawing blood.
"Help! Help me!"
The raid erupted into chaos.
"Why didn't you warn us?!" Helga shouted at Lena.
Lena didn't answer. Her eyes were wide, her expression one of utter shock.
