Branches whipped across Emma's face as she tore through the woods, her breath ragged and shallow. Each step sent a jolt of pain up her legs, but stopping wasn't an option.
Behind her, she heard it… the steady, deliberate crunch of leaves. Not running. Not rushing. Just Following.
Alex's voice carried through the dark. "Run, little rabbit… let's see how far you make it."
Her stomach lurched. She pushed harder, dodging low hanging branches, fighting the urge to look back.
Her phone screen glowed faintly in her shaking hand… No Signal. She cursed under her breath and shoved it into her pocket.
Suddenly, her foot caught on a root. She stumbled, hitting the ground hard, biting back a cry. Pain shot up her knee as she scrambled to her feet.
The sound behind her changed… faster now. He was closing in.
