The forest swallowed them.

Emma veered east into the dense tree line, the cold air tearing at her lungs, the crunch of snow beneath her boots muffled by layers of pine needles and frost. Her flashlight remained off. She moved with trained discipline—head down, movements deliberate, eyes constantly scanning the dark. Every nerve was alert. Every breath was measured.

Behind her, Jack and Rachel had split north, taking the secondary fire road as planned. They were headed toward the last safe ...