The biting wind whipped Lola's hair across her face, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine. She pulled her threadbare jacket tighter, a shiver tracing its way down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. Days of walking, lost and starving in the unforgiving Tongass forest, had stripped away her usual defiance, leaving only a bone-deep weariness.

Her stomach growled in protest, a hollow echo of her dwindling hope. Just weeks ago, the promise of a million dollars had seemed like an easy escape from a life she detested. Now, it felt like a cruel joke, played by some unseen, malevolent force. She crouched by a trickling creek, cupping the icy water to her parched lips, the desperate thirst momentarily eclipsing her despair.

Then, a sound. A distant rustle that quickly grew into a thundering chorus of footsteps, surrounding her from all directions. Before she could react, figures blurred past, a whirlwind of panicked movement. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact, but they merely streamed past, leaving her untouched. Opening her eyes, she saw them – women, running with an animalistic terror, their faces etched with pure fear.

And then, a new sound. Deeper, more guttural. A low growl that vibrated through the earth, sending a primal shiver through her. Whatever was chasing them, it wasn't human. Adrenaline surged, cutting through her exhaustion. Lola turned and ran, her lungs burning, the horrifying sound echoing behind her, growing closer with every strained breath.