As Zyra continued to walk deeper into the woods, the feeling of being watched grew stronger. She was hyper-aware of every sound, every movement around her. The forest, usually a sanctuary, felt different today—more alive, as if it were holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. Her heart pounded in her chest as she pushed forward, her senses on high alert.

Just as she was about to call out again, a soft rustle came from behind her. Instinctively, Zyra turned around, but before she ...