(Isolde's POV)
I moved fast, keeping close to the edge of the path.
The gravel cut through the thin soles of my shoes. Moonlight broke through the fir branches above me in scattered patches, throwing broken light across the ground.
Somewhere behind me, I could hear men breathing hard in half-shift. Women laughing low, like it was a game.
I just needed to find the road.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
Someone was behind me.
Not close. Not far. Just steady. Following my pace, matching my turns, never losing me.
I didn't look back.
I walked faster.
Then I felt hands.
Two of them, rough and sudden, grabbing my shoulders from behind. I hit the tree trunk hard, bark scraping my arm, and before I could scream, he was already pressing me against it.
His hands tore at my dres
