"?????????'? ??????"

As the night wore on, the dreams grew more vivid and terrifying. She saw her daughter, lost and alone, crying out for her in the endless, dark forest. She tried to run, to reach her, but every step felt like swimming through tar, slow and sluggish. The man was always a step or two ahead, his shadow looming ever larger, ever closer.

Finally, her eyes snapped open, the dream shattering like glass. She was soaked in cold sweat, her heart thudding in her chest.

She sat up, her eyes sweeping the small cave. The night was still deep, the world outside silent and dark.

The sudden sound of a man's voice sent a jolt of fear through her. She immediately went on high alert, her sleep-fogged mind struggling to make sense of the sudden intrusion into her silent sanctuary.

Slowly, she got to her feet, her body tense and ready to fight or flee. She strained her ears, trying to pinpoint the location of the voice. The forest outside was still relatively silent, the only sounds faint and indistinct.

She moved cautiously towards the mouth of the cave, her eyes straining to see in the darkness. Every muscle was coiled tight, every instinct on high alert. She knew the voice had been close, but where was it now? Was the man lurking just outside?

As she neared the cave entrance, she caught a glimpse of something dark in the distance. The man? Was he out there, waiting for her to step out? She hesitated, her heart hammering in her chest, fear and instinct warring with each other.

Finally, she made a decision. She couldn't stay hidden like a frightened animal. As quietly as possible, she took a few steps out of the cave, her eyes scanning the surroundings, trying to locate the source of the voice.

The night was dark, but the faintest of light allowed her to make out shapes more clearly. She scanned the forest with a keen eye, looking for any sign of movement, any hint of danger.

Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of a shadow moving between the trees, a good distance further ahead. It was difficult to tell in the darkness if it was the man or just an animal, but her instincts were screaming danger.

She tensed, her muscles coiling tight, her hands clenching into fists. The shadow had moved again, heading further into the woods. Was it leading her away from the cave on purpose? Was it trying to lure her into a trap?

Man: Well, well, I have to tell you, you are stubborn.

The man's voice echoed through the woods, cold and unfeeling. She froze, her heart racing. He was close, much closer than she had expected. How had he found her so quickly?

The man's voice continued, seemingly coming from multiple directions at once, its mocking tone sending shivers down her spine.

Man: You thought you could hide from me, didn't you?

She couldn't make out his figure in the shadows, but she could feel his presence, his sinister laughter like thorns digging into her skin. Her heart was hammering against her ribs, her breaths coming in short, shallow gasps.

Man: So tell me, love… where have you buried your child?

The man's question hit her like a physical blow. Her breath hitched, her mind racing. The mention of her daughter filled her heart with cold dread.

She clenched her fists, her knuckles white against her skin. The man was playing dirty now, using her love for her daughter against her. But she couldn't, she wouldn't let him get the better of her, not like this.

She steadied her voice as much as she could, trying to hide the fear and terror. She couldn't let him know how much he was getting to her.

Her: You'll never get to her.