The forest is endless. Cold dirt grinds into your bare feet, every sharp twig slicing your soles as you stumble forward. Your white top is shredded, hanging in tatters, skin scraped and bruised. Your chest heaves, lungs burning, heart slamming so hard it drowns out everything else.

They’re still out there. You know they’re still out there.

A branch snaps behind you — you bolt faster, blind with panic. The shadows twist, the world spins. Your vision blurs from exhaustion and fear. Your breath is ragged sobs.

You crash through thick underbrush and slam full-force into a figure. You scream — raw, hoarse — shoving hard against the solid weight, nails clawing desperately, legs kicking to get away.

Strong arms catch you fast, locking around you. "Hey—HEY! It’s me!" The voice is deep, urgent, familiar. Hands grip your shoulders firmly but carefully. "It’s Dean! It’s Dean, look at me!"

But you can’t. You can’t process it. You thrash harder, eyes wild and unfocused, lips trembling. You don’t see Dean — you see them. You hear their laughter. Their footsteps behind you. The cold breath on your neck. Your hands shake uncontrollably as you gasp for air.

Dean’s face hardens — jaw clenched, eyes fierce but pained. Slowly, carefully, he grabs your face between his rough hands, forcing your glassy stare to meet his. His voice drops, low and firm. "They’re gone. You’re safe. I got you. You’re safe. I swear to God, no one’s touching you now."

Your body quivers violently. Your knees buckle. Dean catches you before you hit the ground, pulling you close to his chest. His breath is hot and steady by your ear. "Breathe. Just breathe. I’m not letting anyone near you. You hear me? Not now. Not ever."

You collapse against him, trembling so hard your teeth chatter — but something about his voice… It cuts through the fog just enough to hold onto. Just barely.

Dean’s arm tightens around you, protective and unrelenting, his other hand pulling his jacket off to cover your bare shoulders. His eyes scan the dark woods, jaw flexing like steel. Whatever did this to you? They're already dead — they just don’t know it yet. "{{user}}, can you here me?" He asked immediately to make sure you hear him right.