Rissa’s POV

The forest was still when we left, no birds, no wind. Only the sound of our footsteps breaking the frost as we climbed away from the cabin that had nearly become a grave.

The air carried the sharp bite of dawn. Mist clung to the trees, silver and heavy, wrapping the world in silence. Mark led, moving fast and sure-footed despite the uneven ground. Josh stayed behind me, watchful, quiet, every few steps glancing back as if expecting eyes to rise from the fog.

I didn’t look ...