Caleb stepped forward, his massive frame shielding her completely. "You’re on private property," he said, his voice quiet but carrying more threat than a scream. "And you're bothering my woman."

Elara froze. The terror that had haunted her for months paralyzed her. She couldn’t run. She couldn't scream. Thud. Thud. Thud.

The manager stammered, his bravado instantly evaporating under the weight of Caleb's stare. The stalker, realizing he was outmatched, quickly faded back into the dark woods.