"Hello!" The voice that had gripped Damien's shoulder rang out with chilling satisfaction.
Before Damien could even react, he was yanked violently downward, the force slamming him into the unforgiving ground. The impact was brutal, his head connecting with the earth with a sickening thud, momentarily blinding him with pain.
Despite the disorientation, Damien's instincts kicked into overdrive. His hands groped blindly across the ground, seeking purchase, searching for any advantage he could seize. Through the haze of pain, he could sense the movements of his assailant, their presence a looming threat in the darkness.
With a surge of determination, Damien pushed himself upright, his muscles protesting with every movement. His vision slowly cleared, revealing the figure standing before him— the same individual who had been behind him mere moments ago.
