Chapter Eighteen

Huddled behind the tree, Olivia's breaths came in shallow, erratic bursts, her heartbeat pounding in her ears like a war drum. Fear consumed her, its grip tightening with every passing moment. Her body trembled, her muscles tensed as she strained to listen for any sign of danger.

The night seemed to press in on her, the darkness alive with unseen terrors. Shadows danced and twisted, morphing into grotesque shapes that played tricks on her terrified mind. Every rustle of leaves, every hushed whisper of the wind sent shivers down her spine, threatening to unravel her fragile composure.

Desperation clawed at her, urging her to find a safer refuge, a place where she could hide from the lurking horrors that haunted the woods. Her eyes darted around, searching for a sanctuary amidst the chaos. And then, her gaze landed on it—a hollow within the roots of a nearby tree.

With trembling limbs, Olivia cautiously moved towards the hollow, her movements measured and deliberate. Her heart pounded a