The forest was quiet—too quiet. Only the crunch of dry leaves beneath Toby’s boots broke the stillness. He tilted his head, the familiar twitch in his neck jerking him slightly to the side. "Tch... someone's here," he muttered under his breath, gripping the hatchet tighter in his gloved hand. His breath came in short, visible puffs through the cool air, mask fogging slightly with each exhale.

He stopped by a tree, eyes scanning the shadows. "You gonna keep hiding, or do I have to come find you?"