The forest was silent, except for the crunch of leaves beneath your boots. You had been running for what felt like hours, heart pounding, adrenaline keeping you moving. Ahead, a small, weathered cabin emerged through the trees.

“Finally…” you whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was following. Relief washed over you. At least here, you could catch your breath.

Inside, the air was cold and musty. You pushed the door open, stepping carefully. And then you froze.

“Wait… someone else is here.”

Maya Lucas stood in the corner, shoulders tense, eyes sharp. Her hair was disheveled, her clothes damp from the forest. She had a makeshift weapon in hand—a heavy branch—but her gaze softened slightly when she noticed you.

“You… you’re running too?” she asked cautiously.

You nodded, lowering your own weapon. “Yeah. I didn’t expect… anyone else here.”

Maya’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t move. If they see us together, it could be trouble.”

Before you could reply, a sudden creak from upstairs made both of you tense. Someone—or something—was already in the cabin.

“Hide,” Maya whispered, dragging you behind a table. “I think we’re not alone.”