The Rising Storm

The tension between us was cut short as the rustling in the bushes grew louder. Duke's grip on my hand tightened, pulling me along as we sprinted through the forest. The howls were getting closer, more frantic.

"Faster!" Duke urged, his voice a mix of command and desperation. "We can't let them catch up!"

We separated from the others. I pushed myself to keep up with his pace, my heart pounding in my chest. Every shadow seemed to morph into a threat, every snap of a twig a signal of imminent danger. We had to find shelter, and fast.

Ahead, the dense forest opened up to a rocky hillside. Duke led us to a narrow crevice, barely wide enough for us to squeeze through. He gestured for me to enter first, his eyes scanning our surroundings.

"Go! I'll cover the entrance," he commanded.

I slipped into the crevice, feeling the rough stone scrape against my skin. Inside, the space was dark and cold, but it felt safer than the exposed forest. Duke followed, his broad shoulders just fitting through