The forest felt alive with danger, every sound amplified in the darkness. Caleb could hear the faint rustle of leaves behind them, the snap of a branch in the distance.

“They’re still following us,” Caleb said, his voice tight.

“I know,” Evelyn replied.

“What’s the plan?”

“Keep running,” Evelyn said simply.

Caleb let out a frustrated breath. “That’s not a plan!”

Evelyn didn’t respond. She veered sharply to the left, leading them off the trail and deeper into the dense underbrush. Caleb stumbled after her, his flashlight catching on twisted roots and gnarled branches.

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“They’ll catch up if we stay on the path,” Evelyn said.

“Fantastic,” Caleb muttered, ducking under a low-hanging branch. “I really hope you know where we’re going.”

Evelyn didn’t answer.

The sound of footsteps grew louder, closer. Caleb’s heart pounded as he glanced over his shoulder, but the darkness was impenetrable. He could feel the weight of their pursuers pressing down on him, an invisible force driving him forward.

Evelyn stopped abruptly, holding up a hand. Caleb nearly ran into her, his flashlight swinging wildly.

“What is it?” Caleb whispered.

Evelyn crouched down, her eyes scanning the shadows. “They’re splitting up,” she said quietly.

Caleb’s stomach tightened. “How do you know?”

“Because it’s what I’d do,” Evelyn replied.

Caleb didn’t find that comforting.