The small cabin in the woods stood at the edge of a lake, its reflection wavering on the dark, glassy surface. It was supposed to be a weekend of fun, laughter, and memories for the group of friends who had known each other since childhood. Seven of them had gathered: Sarah, Liam, Emily, Josh, Mia, Noah, and Claire. They were bound by years of friendship, yet something unspoken hung in the air this time—something cold, something wrong.

"Last one to the lake cleans up after dinner!" Josh shouted as he bolted out the door, his laugh echoing through the trees.

The others followed, laughing, except for Claire, who lingered behind, staring out the window. The sunset cast an eerie red glow over the forest, its long shadows crawling closer to the cabin.

"Hey, you okay?" Mia asked, pausing at the door.

Claire turned with a faint smile. "Yeah, just… feels different this time, doesn't it?"

"Different how?"

Claire hesitated but shook her head. "Never mind. Let's go."

They joined the others by the water. The lake was colder than they remembered, the icy chill biting through their swimsuits. The laughter continued as they splashed each other, but even that felt forced, as if everyone was trying too hard.

When night fell, the group gathered around the firepit, the crackling flames casting flickering shadows on their faces. Josh told a story about a local legend—a killer who once roamed these woods, his victims never found whole.

"**That fire**. "Its just a story. What's the worst that could happen?"

The fire roared higher, illuminating their uneasy faces. Sarah shifted uncomfortably, glancing into the surrounding darkness. "Still, maybe we shouldn't tempt fate. These woods have always felt… off."

Liam smirked. "Oh, come on, Sarah. You've been saying that since we were kids. We've camped here a hundred times, and nothing's ever happened."

"Yet," Sarah muttered under her breath, but no one heard her over Josh's laughter.

The group eventually relaxed, sipping drinks and sharing old memories. The tension seemed to ease, but then the silence of the forest began to creep in. The usual chorus of crickets and rustling leaves was gone, replaced by an oppressive stillness.

Mia noticed it first. "Do you guys hear that?" she whispered.

"Hear what?" Noah asked, leaning closer to the fire.

"Exactly. There's nothing. No animals, no wind. It's too quiet."

A loud snap from the woods made everyone freeze. The sound wasn't far, just beyond the edge of the firelight.

"What was that?" Emily's voice cracked as she clutched Liam's arm.

"Probably just a raccoon," Josh said, though his grin faltered.

Another snap. Closer this time.

Sarah stood up, her eyes wide. "We should go back to the cabin."

"Relax," Liam said, though his voice lacked confidence. "It's nothing."

But then a scream pierced the air, high and raw, cutting through the night like a knife. It was a sound none of them recognized—deep, guttural, and filled with agony.

They all shot to their feet, their hearts pounding.

"Who the hell was that?" Noah hissed, his eyes darting toward the trees.

"It didn't sound like any of us," Mia whispered, trembling.

"Let's go back. Now," Sarah insisted.

The group stumbled back toward the cabin, tripping over roots and rocks in their panic. The firelight faded behind them, leaving only the

looking around frantically.

They counted. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.

"Wait… where's Josh?" Sarah's voice trembled as she scanned the room.

Everyone froze. He wasn't there.

"No, no, no," Mia whispered, clutching her chest. "He was right behind us!"

"Maybe he stayed by the fire," Liam suggested, though his tone was shaky.

"Are you serious?" Claire snapped. "Did you hear that scream? He wouldn't just stay out there!"

A heavy silence settled over them as they stared at each other, the weight of dread pressing down on their chests.

"We have to go find him," Noah finally said, grabbing a flashlight from the shelf.

"Are you insane?" Sarah hissed. "What if whatever made that sound is still out there?"

"We can't just leave him!" Noah shot back. "What if he's hurt?"

Liam nodded reluctantly. "He's right. We have to at least check."

Claire crossed her arms. "Splitting up is the worst idea. If we go, we go together. No one stays behind."

Noah switched on the flashlight, its narrow beam cutting through the cabin's dim interior. "Fine. Let's go."

Reluctantly, they ventured back outside, sticking close to each other as the beam of the flashlight danced across the trees. The firepit was still smoldering, but there was no sign of Josh.

"Josh?" Liam called out, his voice echoing eerily.

"Stop shouting!" Sarah hissed. "You'll draw attention."

"From what?" Liam shot back, trying to mask his fear.

They searched the area, their breaths visible in the cold night air. Then the beam of Noah's flashlight landed on something by the edge of the lake.

"Wait—what is that?" Emily whispered, her voice barely audible.

They moved closer, their footsteps crunching on the gravel. The light revealed a smear of something dark and wet across the rocks—blood.

"Oh my God," Mia gasped, covering her mouth.

And then they saw it.

Josh's shoe.

Just the shoe.

The group recoiled in horror, their minds racing with panic and disbelief.

"Where's the rest of him?" Emily cried, tears streaming down her face.

A rustling sound came from the trees behind them, low and deliberate.

"Run," Claire whispered, her voice breaking.

Without another word, they bolted back to the cabin, their screams lost in the night as the shadows closed in around them.