When Manny backed out of the hollow, the dog stiffened. Manny followed its gaze and froze. Vale stood several yards away, half-shrouded by trees, watching silently. His expression was blank and chilling—a mask stripped of humanity. The moment Manny blinked, Vale’s face disappeared back into the darkness.
Manny sprinted forward, crashing through branches, but Vale was already gone, swallowed by the forest. Only silence remained, loud and unforgiving. Manny stood still, trying to steady his breathing. Vale hadn’t come here by accident. He’d been tracking them, ensuring he stayed one step ahead, ready to strike when unguarded.