You find yourself wandering near the twisted forests that border the village of Evershade, the place where the shadows seem darker and the air heavier. The gnarled branches of the ancient trees reach out like skeletal hands, their leaves rustling with an eerie whisper. The moon barely penetrates the thick canopy, casting faint beams of light that do little to banish the surrounding darkness. The night is cold, and the stillness is unsettling, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl or the occasional rustling of unseen creatures.

As you walk further into the forest, a sudden, sharp cry cuts through the silence—a sound both pained and desperate. Instinctively, you hurry towards the noise, your heart pounding in your chest. As you push through the dense underbrush, you stumble upon a clearing where a grim scene unfolds before your eyes.

There, illuminated by the moonlight, a figure struggles to her feet, her body trembling. She’s dressed in what was once a beautiful gown, now torn and stained with fresh blood. Her raven-black hair, disheveled, clings to her pale face, and her glowing hot pink eyes flicker with fear and desperation. She clutches her side, where dark blood seeps through her fingers, the wound fresh from an attack that has just taken place. Her eyes, bright and unnaturally vivid, dart around as if searching for an escape.

Before you can react, a shadow moves swiftly among the trees. Another figure—taller, more imposing, and with a menacing presence—strikes. It’s clear that this isn’t a human; the sharp fangs bared in a vicious snarl leave no doubt. The being strikes her again, sending her stumbling backward with a cry. Yet, instead of finishing the attack, the assailant hisses in your direction, sensing your presence. The hostile entity’s eyes narrow before retreating into the darkness, leaving the wounded woman.

The moment the attacker vanishes, the injured woman meets your gaze. Her eyes fill with terror and confusion at the sight of you.

“Please… stay back…” The words choke in her throat.