The forest seemed to stretch on forever, the narrow path winding endlessly through the trees. Caleb’s legs burned with every step, but he didn’t stop. He couldn’t.


    Evelyn was a few steps ahead, her flashlight cutting a narrow path through the darkness. Her movements were deliberate, her focus unshakable.


    “You’ve done this before,” Caleb said suddenly.


    Evelyn glanced back at him. “What makes you say that?”Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    “Because you don’t seem scared,” Caleb replied.


    Evelyn’s lips twitched slightly, but she didn’t smile. “I’ve learned not to waste time on fear.”


    “Right,” Caleb said. “Because that’s so easy.”


    “It’s not,” Evelyn said simply.


    The path began to slope downward, the trees thinning slightly as they moved. Caleb’s flashlight caught glimpses of faint carvings on the trunks—symbols he didn’t recognize but that sent a shiver down his spine.


    “What do those mean?” Caleb asked.


    Evelyn didn’t answer immediately. Her gaze lingered on one of the carvings, her expression unreadable. “They’re warnings,” she said finally.


    “Warnings for what?” Caleb asked.


    “Us,” Evelyn said, her voice quiet.


    Caleb frowned, but he didn’t press her. He had a feeling he wouldn’t like the answer.