Lysander arrived first, as planned.
The cabin stood in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by an ocean of towering pines.
Inside, the cabin was simple but comfortable—two small bedrooms, a living space with an old fireplace, and a kitchen. Alexander and his sister were supposed to arrive soon, but for now, he was alone.
A moment later, it swung open, and a familiar figure stepped inside.
She was slightly out of breath, her vibrant teal-blue hair, cascading over her shoulders in dark waves that faded into lighter shades. Her greenish-gray eyes scanned the room before settling on him.
"You're already here," she said, her voice laced with uncertainty.
"You’re late," Lysander replied coolly.
She rolled her eyes, stepping inside. She wore a black off-the-shoulder top, the soft fabric clinging to her frame. Layered necklaces adorned her neck. "Where’s Alexander?"
He frowned slightly. "He was with you, wasn’t he?"
"He was. We split up a little before reaching the cabin—he said he’d catch up, but that was a while ago." She crossed her arms, unease flickering in her gaze.
He walked over to the window, peering out into the darkness. They sat in silence, waiting. Then came the sound. At first, it was just faint rustling—leaves shifting in the wind, twigs cracking underfoot. But then, the noise grew heavier. The distinct The distinct pattern of footsteps. Something was walking around the cabin. She tensed beside him. Lysander remained silent. He listened. The footsteps were moving strangely—too heavy for an animal, yet too low to be a person. Something walked on four legs... then suddenly, on two. A slow, deliberate step onto the porch. Then another. He moved quickly, his instincts kicking in. He reached the door in two strides and locked it just as the heavy footsteps stopped outside. Silence. A deep, ragged breath from the other side of the door. Three slow, deliberate knocks. "Hey, it’s me. Open up." Alexander’s voice.

But something was off.

Lysander didn’t move. The voice was right, but it was wrong