บท 53: Into the Heart of Darkness

"Why do you keep running, Sarah?" The voice echoed through the thick trees, wrapping around her like a cold mist. "You can't hide from me forever."

Heart racing, Sarah pressed her back against a tree trunk, her breath shallow and quick. The shadows twisted and curled around her, making the forest feel alive with danger. She had to keep moving. She couldn't let the creature find her. Not now.

"I'm not afraid of you!" she shouted into the darkness, her voice trembling but defiant.

A chilling laugh responded, filling the air with dread. "Oh, but you should be. You think you can escape your fate? The darkness is part of you now."

Fighting back tears, she shook her head. "I'm not part of you! I'm not going to let you take me!"