Nicole’s heart pounded in her chest as she looked around. She was alone. It seemed like no one had ventured into this unrecognizable part of the forest for years. Her senses heightened and were disoriented by the sudden change in her surroundings.

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and foliage— a stark contrast to the adrenaline-filled atmosphere she had just left behind.

The dense canopy above cast dappled shadows on the forest floor, adding to the sense of mystery and ...