ETERNAL NIGHT

had just begun its ascent, casting a pale light across the landscape and illuminating a fine mist that lingered above the ground. Ava's eyes absorbed the early mornin

Ava could sense a shift in his demeanor; he appeared more focused today, as if something unseen had put him on edge. She sensed it as well- a subtle, yet persi

rea felt markedly different-untamed in a manner that was simultaneously beautiful and disconcerting. Ava endeavored to dispel the sensation. She concentrated on her task, her camera clicking as she immortalized towering pines, streams that shimmered like veins of silver and vistas that appeared untouched by the passage of time. Yet, even as she admired the splendor surrounding her, the hairs on the nape of her neck bristle

inquire further, a distant rustling disrupted the silence-low and steady, as if something substantial was traversing the underbrush. Ava's heart pounded; her fingers tightened around her camera. She scanned the forest, squinting as she attempted to discern any shapes lurking in the shadows. "Stay close," Jack whispered, his voice barely audible. He advanced cautiously, his g

te, each heartbeat resonating in her ears like distant thunder. Jack's urgent shout jolted her from her daze. "Run, Ava! Run!" She stumbled backward, her camera slipping from her fingers as she pivoted to escape. However, the creature was far too swift. Before she could travel more than a few steps, a tremendous force struck her from behind, sending her crashing to the

most... intentional, as if it derived satisfaction from her terror. Ava's vision began to blur, her strength diminishing while the creature emitted a growl-a deep, resonant sound that seemed to reverberate through her very bones. Her thoughts grew sluggish (and her limbs felt heavy), as if life itself was being sapped from her body. Just when darkness threatened to engulf her, a piercing shout sliced through the haze. Jack had m

dy. She couldn't think-couldn't process what was happening-because she only knew she had to get away. Behind her, Jack's shouts grew weaker; his voice fading as the creature's growls echoed through the trees. Tears streamed down Ava's face as she stumbled forward, her legs barely supporting her weight. She couldn't leave him, however, she had no choice-she was too injured, too weak. With a final

The sounds of the forest seemed faint and muffled, almost as if she were submerging beneath the waves. Her final thought, just before her eyes fluttered shut, was of Jack-his voice resonated