Plants crept silently toward their prey. A vine slithered forward and wrapped itself around Meika's ankle.
It yanked.
"Kyaaa!" Meika screamed.
"Who's there?!" she shouted in panic.
No answer came.
She was being dragged across the forest floor, the ground scraping her skin. Without hesitation, she pulled out her dagger and slashed at the vine.
Slash!
The vine snapped, and she was free. But now, she was lost in darkness.
"Where are you guys?!" she called out.
Silence.
Only the soft rustling of leaves replied.
Meika shuddered as a dreadful understanding settled into her chest—she had been dragged away from her companions. She was alone.
Gritting her teeth, she pulled out her second dagger and stood on trembling legs. "It's no use being afraid," she said out loud—more to herself than anyone else. "I have to fight. Even if I'm alone."
Step by step, she moved through the shadows, slashing at anything that brushed against her skin.
Back with the group—
