THE CURSED ONE.

Evelyn Sinclair breathed in the fresh, pine-scented air as she explored the Pacific Northwest wilderness's meandering trails. The towering evergreens soared to the sky, their lush canopy filtering the warm sunlight that speckled the woodland floor. The peaceful murmur of a nearby stream eased her senses, and Evelyn felt a deep sense of calm sweep over her. Evelyn had embarked on this solitary hiking expedition to escape the difficulties of her daily life as a graduate student, determined to reconnect with the natural world that had always provided her with consolation.

As she walked, the rhythm of her steps and her breathing became one, and her worries faded into the background. Evelyn marveled at the tranquil beauty that surrounded her, her gaze taking in the towering trunks and delicate ferns that blanketed the woodland floor. The cool mountain air entered her lungs, instilling her with a new sense of purpose. This was precisely what she needed: a chance to unwind and achieve the clarity she had been seeking. Evelyn felt deeply content while immersed in the sights and sounds of the forest. The weight of her obligations in the city appeared to lift off her shoulders, giving way to a profound sense of serenity. She realized that this solo venture was just what she needed to rejuvenate and reconnect with her true self. As Evelyn resumed her journey, her steps light and her spirits high, she couldn't help but be grateful for the opportunity to get away from the restrictions of her normal existence. In this moment, she was free, her thoughts free of the tensions and demands that had threatened to engulf her. The bush had become her refuge, a place where she could genuinely be herself, free from the restraints of the contemporary world. Evelyn's pace quickened as she pushed deeper into the forest, drawn in by the untamed scenery that drew her in. She left the official track behind and followed a thin path, her senses heightened as she took in the forest's sights, sounds, and fragrances. The towering trees created lengthy shadows across the woodland floor, while the rustle of leaves and distant bird sounds filled the air. Evelyn's gaze flew from one detail to the next, taking in the raw, primal beauty that surrounded her. She felt exhilarated, her troubles evaporating as she immersed herself in the natural world's rhythm. Evelyn's tranquil daydream was abruptly broken by a frightening growl from the distance. The hair on the back of her neck stood on edge, and a shiver ran up her spine. Evelyn stopped in her stride and studied the foliage, her eyes straining to see through the growing shadows. A gigantic, shadowy figure emerged from the deep vegetation, its eyes gleaming with raw, predatory ferocity. Evelyn's breath froze in her throat as she realized the beast in front of her was considerably more powerful and dangerous than an ordinary animal. The beast's muscular frame and raw, animalistic energy sent shivers down Evelyn's spine, and she realized she was in serious danger at that moment. Evelyn's instincts kicked in, and without hesitation, she turned and bolted. But the creature was faster, with its massive muscles propelling it forward at breakneck speed. The beast pounced in a rush, clamping down on Evelyn's arm with its huge teeth. Evelyn let out a cry of terror and agony that echoed throughout the dense woodland. The pain was excruciating, and she struggled against the creature's tight grip, her claws raking at its fur-covered body. Evelyn felt blood streaming down her arm as the beast's jaws sank deeper. Evelyn summoned all of her might and landed a desperate blow to the creature's face, causing it to relinquish its grip briefly. She fell to her feet, her damaged arm clutched against her chest, and took advantage of the moment. The adrenaline pouring through her veins drove her motion as she pushed through the dense vegetation, her lungs burning with each labored breath. Branches and thorns ripped at her skin, but Evelyn refused to slow down, motivated by a basic desire to flee the ferocious beast that had assaulted her. The pounding of her heart and the ragged gasps that came from her lips muffled out the sounds of the forest—the snapping of twigs, the rustling of leaves. Evelyn ran, battered and disoriented, with her main goal being to get as far away from the beast as she could. Her arm was in severe pain, but she refused to let it slow her down; her will to live was propelling her every step. Evelyn, battered and confused, walked back into the main trail, her legs quivering beneath her. She dropped in a heap at the trailhead, her damaged arm cradled against her chest, using all of her remaining power. Passersby were alerted to her pained cries and hurried to her rescue. They instantly contacted 911, their faces etched with anxiety as they inspected Evelyn's injuries. Blood flowed through the ripped fabric of her sleeve, and her skin was covered in deep gashes and bruises. Evelyn's vision blurred, and she slid in and out of consciousness as her head reeled from the horrible experience. The world around her shifted in and out of focus, and the worried spectators' voices seemed muted and distant. As the ambulance arrived and the paramedics carefully placed Evelyn into it, she couldn't help but wonder what type of beast had inflicted such severe damage. The memory of the beast's bright eyes and muscular jaws tormented her, and she trembled at the thought of the attack's severity. Evelyn's heart raced, as did her mind, full of questions and an increasing sense of dread. What had happened to her in the midst of that forest? And most importantly, will she ever be the same again? Evelyn fell unconscious as the ambulance rushed away with sirens blasting, unaware that the events of that fateful day had irreversibly altered the direction of her life.