The sun dipped below the horizon, setting the landscape ablaze with hues of crimson and orange as Ethan trekked deeper into the dense woods. He had planned this hiking trip for weeks, hoping to escape the clamor of city life and reconnect with nature. Flanked by towering pines and the rustle of leaves, he welcomed the solitude, unaware that he was not alone.

After hours of walking, fatigue set in, and just as dusk cloaked the forest, Ethan stumbled upon an old, decrepit cabin. Its wooden facade sagged, and weeds wrapped around the porch like grasping hands. While a chill crept down his spine, Ethan's curiosity outweighed his trepidation. He approached, noticing the door creaked ominously as he pushed it open.

Inside, dust motes danced in the fading light, illuminating remnants of a life long forgotten: a cracked mirror, a rusted stove, and decaying furniture. It felt like stepping into a time capsule of despair. As night enveloped the cabin, Ethan rummaged through the debris, seeking anything to keep the biting cold at bay. He found a dusty lantern and ignited it, casting wavering shadows on the walls.

Hours ticked by, and just as Ethan thought to settle into an uneasy sleep, he heard it—a...