In the darkness of the night, amidst the thick, shadowy trees, he pressed his lips together and tightened his grip until he almost choked on his breath to avoid being discovered. When he heard the sound of their footsteps retreating on the dry grass, his breaths began to return to a steady rhythm with relief. He sighed, clutching his heart, only to feel long, cold fingers creeping around his neck.

His feet were frozen in place; he didn’t dare to turn around as the cold grip tightened around his neck from behind.