The pounding of their feet echoed behind them, a frantic rhythm against the backdrop of the encroaching forest. Suddenly, a guttural shortcut through the air, silencing their desperate flight.

Ahead, silhouetted against the fading light, stood the culprit's leader, a hulking figure surrounded by a menacing ring of armed men. Their faces were grim, their weapons glinting menacingly.

Fear, cold and sharp, pierced Stella's heart. She could almost taste the metallic tang of fear in the air.

...