Oh, this was not good.

There was something following them, she was sure of it. They were out of the institute, and there were many trees around, but this was still a developed aread. Many animals, even potentially dangerous ones, really just want to left alone. Usually. The fact that this one was so close and not deterred by the environment or the fact that they were in a group did not sit well with her. The possibility that it coupld simply be watching them quietly disappeared the moment it howled.

They were being hunted.

And by something desperate enough or thought itself outright strong enough to think that it could take them all on. Either way, it wasn't to be trifled with. Flora made sure she was on the outside, putting herself closest to whatever was there. It was a casual shift, nothing sudden even if her heart beat faster in her chest. They weren't in great shape here, and running might not be an option, at least not at first--she could sense its speed as it wove through the trees--but whatever happened, she would take point.