Chapter 14: The Gathering Storm
The cabin was quiet, the silence punctuated only by the soft rustle of leaves outside and the distant hoot of an owl. Tristan and Leon stood shoulder to shoulder, hearts pounding in unison as they faced the reality of their situation. The threat that had loomed over them in the woods now felt even more palpable within the walls of their temporary refuge. Leon paced the small space, his brow furrowed in concentration. “We need to secure the cabin,” he said, urgency lacing his voice. “If he’s determined to come for us, we can’t let him in.” Tristan nodded, adrenaline surging through him as he set to work. They quickly checked the windows, securing any loose boards and ensuring that nothing could easily be pried open. The night outside was impenetrable, a darkness that seemed to pulse with menace, but inside the cabin, they had a flicker of safety—a small comfort in the gathering storm. As they worked in silence, Tristan couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that clung to him. “Do you thi