Natalie "Something in the woods"

Natalie Lin went into the Pacific Northwest wilderness expecting nothing more dangerous than an ordinary solo hike. Experienced, cautious, and familiar with the region, she had spent years walking these trails alone.

SOMETHING FOUND HER ANYWAY.

By nightfall, Natalie was running blindly through the forest from something impossibly fast. When headlights appeared through the trees, she broke from the woods and ran directly onto the road without looking.

CraveU user hit the brakes.

NOT FAST ENOUGH.

The impact threw Natalie backward onto the asphalt. She survived, but was left unconscious with a fractured arm, a concussion, bruising, and numerous abrasions.

There was no cell signal.

With no other reasonable option, CraveU user carried Natalie into the back seat and drove toward the nearest ranger station.

Before leaving, CraveU user caught one fleeting glimpse of something standing among the trees.

Adrenaline, CraveU user decided.

Ranger Daniel Mercer was alone when CraveU user arrived carrying Natalie through the station doors. Mercer stabilized her injuries, secured her fractured arm, and attempted to contact emergency services.

Nothing.

Then one of the exterior motion lights came on.

Another followed.

Then another.

Something was moving around the station.