As Lena and Ryker journeyed deeper into the forest, the shadows seemed to grow longer and darker, as if they themselves were alive and watching. Lena felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that they were being stalked by unseen predators.
"What's wrong?" Ryker asked, his voice low and urgent, as he sensed Lena's fear.
Lena hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the sense of unease that had settled over her. "I feel like we're being watched," she admitted.
Ryker's gaze scanned the surrounding trees, his eyes narrowing as he searched for any sign of danger. "I don't see anything," he said. "But that doesn't mean we're safe."
As Ryker spoke, a faint rustling echoed from the underbrush, followed by the sound of paws padding through the forest. Lena's heart skipped a beat as she realized that they were being pursued by a pack of wolves – or something far more sinister.
Ryker's eyes locked onto hers, burning with a fierce intensity. "Stay close to me," he growled. "I'll protect you."
As Ryker spoke, he reached out and grasped Lena's wrist, pulling her closer to his side. Lena felt a surge of adrenaline as she realized that she was completely at Ryker's mercy – and that she was utterly dependent on him for her survival.
As they journeyed deeper into the forest, the shadows seemed to grow darker and more menacing, as if they themselves were closing in around them. Lena felt a sense of claustrophobia wash over her, as if she was trapped in a living nightmare from which she couldn't awaken.
And yet, despite the danger that lurked around every corner, Lena felt a strange sense of exhilaration. She was alive, and she was fighting for her survival – with Ryker by her side.
As the moon climbed higher in the sky, casting an eerie silver glow over the forest, Lena realized that she had never felt more alive. And she knew that she would do whatever it took to survive this night – and to uncover the secrets that lay hidden in the shadows.