Xavier’s POV
“Ashlyn! Ashlyn!” I called out, my voice echoing through the dense forest.
My heart pounded with every unanswered cry. The moon hung high above, its pale light filtering through the canopy, casting ghostly shadows on the forest floor. The night was growing colder, and my worry about her intensified with each passing moment.
I tried calling her phone again, but it went straight to voicemail. “Damn it,” I muttered under my breath, frustration and fear clawing at me.
Then, just as I was about to turn down another path, I heard faint footsteps ahead. My pulse quickened, and I hastened toward the sound.
Branches snagged at my sleeves, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet growing louder with every hurried step.
Suddenly, I collided with someone.
“Ahh!” she screamed,
