Pete's heart pounded against his ribs like a desperate animal trying to escape its cage as he stumbled upon the clearing in the forest. Moonlight filtered through the thick canopy, casting eerie shadows on the ground. His senses heightened, he could smell the damp earth and hear the rustle of leaves, but what drew his attention were the figures emerging from the darkness, their faces obscured by shadows.
The faceless figures stood silent, their forms shifting uneasily in the moonlight. Pete's breath caught in his throat as he realized he had encountered them once before, on a night much like this one, when the moon was full and the world seemed to hold its breath.
Fear mingled with curiosity as Pete stepped closer, his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night. The figures remained
