Chapter 80: Specters

As they trekked deeper into the forest, the air became thick with tension. They could feel the monsters lurking in the shadows, waiting for them to make a mistake.

The forest was a place of dread. Without the lights from the city, the darkness seemed endless. Even the moonlight couldn't penetrate its dense embrace. Stephanie shivered and grabbed onto John's arm.

"I don't like this," she whispered, her voice trembling. John chuckled inwardly. He found her fear endearing. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.

"Don't worry, Steph. We'll be fine. Just stay close to me."

They walked in silence, the only sound the crunching of leaves under their feet. The trees twisted and curved, creating a labyrinth of dread.

The silence was deafening, the absence of sound more terrifying than the presence of monsters. John could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.