Samantha’s POV
As we trailed Marcus farther into the forest, it loomed dark and threatening all around. Every twig break underfoot caused jolts of anxiety for me. An uncomfortable canopy that felt both protecting and confining was created by the branches overhead entwined like fingers grabbing at the night sky. Alex was right next to me, his presence a stabilizing agent even as doubt tore at my stomach.
"How much farther?" I asked, attempting to keep my voice firm despite the flutter of anxiety.
"Just a little more," Marcus said, his voice steely. Leading the way, he looked over his shoulder every few seconds as though he expected shadows to rush out from behind the trees. "We will shortly reach an old cabin—safe for now."
My mind became inundated with old cabin recollections. Marcus h
