Dead Man

Her voice rang through the air, piercing the tension that had enveloped the cabin. Claus, hearing the desperation in her tone, rushed out of the cabin, his heart pounding in his chest.

With adrenaline surging through his veins, Claus sprinted towards the woods, his instincts honed by years of danger and survival. He knew he had to reach Nick before the stranger disappeared into the forest. As he drew closer, he could hear the man's heavy breathing, the frantic steps growing more distant.

Finally, Claus caught up to the intruder, and a fierce struggle ensued among the trees. The man fought desperately, clutching Nick tightly, but Claus's determination to protect the boy was unyielding. With a surge of strength, Claus managed to wrestle Nick free from the stranger's grip, placing the young boy behind him for safety.

The confrontation reached a critical point, and Claus, realizing that the man posed a grave threat, made a quick and harrowing decision. He reached for his concealed weapon,