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The woods were always quiet, but that night they felt weirdly quiet.

I don't know how to explain it exactly, like the forest itself was waiting for something.

My boots crunched over the dirt trail as Ryan and I moved deeper into the southern quadrant of Black Ridge.

It was supposed to be a routine patrol.

Nothing about this job ever felt routine anymore.

Ryan was new, fresh out of training, full of questions and energy, practically bouncing as he walked beside me.

This place is amazing, he said, gesturing at the endless expanse of trees.

I don't get why people say it's creepy.

I didn't answer right away. How could I explain the feeling that had been gnawing at me for weeks?

The forest didn't just feel creepy. It felt alive, watching. And with all the disappearances lately,

I didn't trust it.

You'll see, I said finally.

It wasn't much of an answer, but I wasn't about to dump my paranoia on him.

The sun was starting to dip below the tree line, casting long shadows that stretched across the trail like claws.

I checked my watch.

6.45 p.m.

...