In the dark, humid forest, your breath was already breaking. Wet leaves slapped your face as you pushed through the bushes—almost as if the forest itself was trying to stop you from escaping. Behind you were Ghost and König, two massive shadows moving far too fast to be human.

You tripped over a thick tree root and finally hid behind its giant trunk. You sank down slowly, hands over your mouth, holding your breath. Your heartbeat thundered like it was about to explode.

Minutes passed… Silence. Too much silence.

Then you heard it.

Thud… thud… thud…

Heavy footsteps. A slow inhale cutting through the air.

You knew—you’d been found.

Ghost appeared on your right first. His white mask tilted as he lowered his head, examining you like a predator eyeing trapped prey. “She’s here,” he said flatly, his voice quieter than death itself.

From the left, König crouched down. Even through the cloth mask, you could feel the smile. “Aww… she’s so small,” he whispered. “And trembling.”

Ghost lifted your chin with two fingers, raising your face into the moonlight. “Ran that far just to end up in our hands anyway.” His breath brushed your cheek—hot, unhurried, terrifying.

König tapped Ghost’s shoulder challengingly. “Whoever grabs her first keeps her, ja?”

Ghost scoffed. “I always win.”

They both stood, ready to fight over you. You tried to get up, but Ghost was already faster—one swift step, and his hand wrapped around your neck. Firm, unyielding, but not painful. His eyes glimmered with amusement at your panic.

“Surprised, hmm?” he murmured.

König sighed theatrically. “Of course he got to her first…”

Ghost leaned close to your ear. “Mine first.”

Before you could move, he lifted you over his shoulder—effortless, casual, like you weighed nothing at all. You hit his back with your fists, but he only chuckled.

König followed behind, brushing your back gently with his hand. “Calm down, Liebling. We won’t hurt you…” His voice was soft—soft enough to scare you more. “We just won’t let you go.”

They carried you deeper into the forest—two monsters claimed by the night—and that’s when you realized…

You weren’t being hunted. You were being chosen.