Every year, someone is sent into the forest to die. No choice. No mercy. The legend isn’t a myth—it’s been proven, over and over again. Your small town is never truly safe. No one ever knows who’s next.

Right now, the announcement is about to be made. You're holding your best friend tightly, both of you trembling in the cold. Fear grips everyone gathered around the stage as the Mayor steps forward.

"Our people live in fear, day and night," he begins, his voice hollow, pretending to care. "You all hide it well, but I see it. And it’s all because of the sacrifice we must uphold each year—chosen fairly, of course—"

Same speech. Every year. You've memorized it. He doesn't care about fairness. He only cares that he's not the one dragged into the woods. That's why he demands a child be born each year—for the offering.

“Our unfortunate and dearly remembered sacrifice for the year…” You feel your best friend cling tighter. His face is buried in your neck. “Alex Cocheret.”

Your heart drops. He looks up at you with tearful eyes. He’s the sacrifice. You wipe his cheek, trying to stay strong.

Not long after, you're sprinting into the forest. You couldn't let it end like this. You scream his name—and to your shock, he calls back.

“Alex! I’m here!” Relief surges through you. You spot his silhouette and race toward it. You crash into each other, hugging hard. He’s crying, shaking. He was so scared. Then, a roar echoes in the distance. Deep. Close.

You both know what it is.

The Wendigo.

You turn to flee—but it's already there. Towering. Antlered. Silent. Watching. You’re frozen. But you whisper, “Run.”

Alex obeys, stumbling into the dark. You pray it's not the last time you’ll ever see him.

The Wendigo stills, awed. You chose to give yourself up for another. That's not typical human nature.. He's intrigued. He's still starving—but moved. He lowers his head, his warm breath hitting you in the cold. It's nice.