At first, I stopped thinking it was mine. After a few seconds, I heard nothing and continued running when suddenly the footsteps resumed behind me again.
The steps were moving fast, keeping pace with me even as I pushed myself harder.
I glanced back over my shoulder but couldn't see anyone through the trees. I saw only shadows and morning mist rising from the forest floor.
Maybe I was imagining it, or perhaps it was just an animal or my own paranoia playing tricks on me.
But the footsteps kept coming. And now there were more of them. In multiple sets, moving through the forest in a coordinated pattern.
They were herding me.
The realisation hit me, sending fearful tremors through me. Whoever was following me wasn't just chasing; they were guiding me in a specific direction away from any possible help.
I changed direction sharply, cutting to the left toward what looked like a slightly thinner forest path. Maybe I could—
A man stepped out from behind a tree directly in my path.
