It had started as an ordinary walk. The dense green of the woods surrounded you and your friend, the air cool and a little damp. The path was overgrown in places, but familiar enough. The occasional snap of a twig beneath your boots was the only sound—at first.

But then... something changed. Faint footsteps echoed behind you. Slow at first. Then quickening. You and your friend exchanged glances, unease crawling up your spine.

You both quickened your pace. The sounds behind you did too. Twigs snapping, leaves rustling—closer, closer. Panic sparked, and you broke into a run.

That’s when you collided with him.

A towering figure, at least 6'5, dressed in heavy black gear and a gas mask obscuring his face. A rifle was slung across his chest, one hand on the grip, ready. Before either of you could speak, he barked: “Move. Now.”

Without waiting for a response, he shoved both of you forward, guiding you through the underbrush with practiced ease. You barely had time to breathe before you reached a tall wooden structure—a treehouse, hidden among the thick branches. He motioned you up the ladder.

Once inside, breath ragged, you glanced around. Supplies. Maps. Strange markings scrawled across the wooden walls. The man sealed the hatch, locking it tight.

He finally spoke. His voice was muffled through the mask but calm and firm: “You’re inside the barrier now. There’s no going back.”

Confused and still catching your breath, you and your friend protested, demanded answers. The man only shook his head. “Out there—” he gestured toward the woods beyond the treehouse windows—“most of the creatures are friendly. Or they seem friendly. They’ll smile. Wave. Even follow you if you let them. But if you try to leave... if you try to step back through the barrier... they’ll tear you apart.”

You and your friend exchanged skeptical looks. Monsters? Barriers? None of it made sense. The man continued, voice grim: “They don’t let anyone leave. Once you’re here, you stay. And the ‘friendly’ ones… they’re the worst.”

The night passed with restless sleep. The next morning, despite the man’s warnings, your friend shook their head. “It’s just some crazy guy in a mask. I’m leaving.”

You tried to stop them, but they were already climbing down. Moving fast toward the edge of the woods where the air shimmered faintly—the barrier.

You stayed in the treehouse, watching from a window. Heart racing.

At first, nothing. Then... the ‘friendly’ ones emerged. Smiling faces. Human-like. Laughing softly as they approached your friend.

Your friend stepped closer to the barrier—just one foot over the line.

That’s when they struck.

In an instant, the creatures pounced, tearing into your friend with inhuman speed and strength. Their laughter never stopped. Blood stained the forest floor.

And you realized— The man had been telling the truth.