**Chapter 16: The Edge of Desperation**

The landslide thundered down the mountain, a wall of mud and debris that seemed to be gaining speed by the second. Chris and Dakota grabbed Jed and started to run, their feet pounding against the earth as they desperately tried to outrun the disaster. The storm raged on, the rain and wind combining with the landslide to create a maelstrom of chaos. As they stumbled through the darkness, Chris's mind racing with fear, he spotted a small cave mouth in the side of the mountain. It was their only hope. "In there!" he yelled, pulling Dakota and Jed towards the opening. They tumbled into the cave, the landslide mere feet behind them. The ground shook and trembled as the mud and debris thundered past the entrance, blocking out the light from the storm. The cave was dark and musty, the air thick with the scent of damp earth. Chris and Dakota collapsed against the wall, panting and exhausted. Jed lay motionless between them, his body still and silent. "Is he okay?" Dakota whispered, her voice trembling with fear. Chris felt for Jed's pulse, relief washing over him as he found a strong beat. "He's alive," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "But we have to get him warm and dry. This storm is going to be here for a while." Dakota nodded, her eyes scanning the cave. "We have to start a fire," she said. "We can't stay here in the dark." Chris nodded, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. He spotted a pile of dry wood in the corner of the cave, partially hidden by the shadows. "I'll get the fire started," he said, pulling out his lighter. As the flame flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the cave, Chris and Dakota worked to revive Jed. They stripped off his wet clothes, wrapping him in a dry blanket to warm him up. Slowly but surely, Jed began to stir, his eyes fluttering open as he gazed up at Chris and Dakota. "Where...where are we?" he whispered, his voice hoarse from the storm. "You're safe," Chris said, his voice gentle. "We're in a cave. The landslide blocked out the storm." Jed's eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. "The landslide..." he repeated, his voice growing stronger. "I saw it coming. I tried to warn you." Dakota's eyes locked onto Jed's, concern etched on her face. "What did you see?" she asked, her voice soft. Jed's gaze drifted away, his eyes clouding over. "I saw something else," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Something that made me try to warn you." Chris and Dakota exchanged a fearful glance. What had Jed seen? And what did it have to do with their desperate situation? As the storm raged on outside, they huddled together in the cave, waiting for Jed to reveal the secrets he had uncovered.