I jump off my bike as I run to the cabin where Gran has her office, causing the bike to crash against the floor, a deafening sound in the all quiet parking lot.

Jogging to the door, I'm stricken by the memories this place held. When I was younger, Gran couldn't afford child care for me, so she took me to work with her. I would spend countless hours hiding in the cabin, and zigzagging through the trees in the forest.

I close my eyes and let the familiar scent of pine needles calm me.

Walking to the door, I can just see me and Gran playing in the parking lot, or her chasing me through the trees. I drag my hands across the railings.

So many memories, I thought, so much love.

Opening the door, I see Susan at her desk, brightening upon seeing me.

"Olivia, darling, it's so nice to see you", she says as she gets up for a hug. I lean into it and kiss her cheeks, saying the same.

"Do you know where Gran is? Is she in her office", I ask, pointing towards her door.

"Oh no no dear", she said shuffling through some papers, her mind distracted. "She went out to the site to document some work", she looks up and leans close, "though I tell you, she says she goes for work, but I reckon it's for the sweet berries she loves to eat". I chuckle and ask to go see her. Susan guides me through the safety procedures for entering the trails, and I wave goodbye as I walk away with a jump to my step.

I was overreacting.

Gran was safe.

I was safe.

We were safe.

Birds flew overhead as I passed through the path, and sounds of rushing water filled my ears, the forest was my happy place. Gran said my mom was like me, and how she would have trouble trying to get her back inside.

As I stepped over the log, turning the corner which would lead me to the site- just a clearing- I was yanked to the side, with a hand pressed against my mouth,

My eyes widen as I take a swing at my attacker, only for them to pin my hands with one of theirs, one hand still against my mouth. I bite it, but they just tighten their hold on my hands, causing a burning sensation to flare up my arms. 

"Stop fighting. I'm not here to hurt you."

Yeah, I thought, trying to get free, that's what everyone says.

I stop fidgeting, but stay alert, as I take my attacker in. Looking at him, you could tell he was male because of the slope of his shoulders and broad chest. He looked to be older than Gran. He was wearing a baseball cap and an odd outfit, consisting of a shirt all the way down to his feet, with plaid patterns, and shoes that appeared to be the same design.

What the most interesting thing about him though, was his eyes. His eyes held a level of understanding and discipline.

It mirrored the eyes I had seen earlier.

The man watching me at school.

I lifted my eyebrows in question, and gestured to my hands, indicating him to let me go.

"Will you promise not to scream or fight?", he asked solemnly.

I nodded.

"I will hold you to that promise". He let my hands go, and I rubbed the sore wrists as I watched him take several steps away from me, as if repulsed by me.

Before being able to say anything, he says "I know why you're here. For your grandmother. To prevent her from being taken".

I blink at him.

I told no one about the specifics. Not Ten or Lukas when I ran off. Not those drivers when I asked for a ride. Not even Susan as I came here

So how does he know?

"Does that also mean you know if I succeed in protecting her?" I finally ask, still evaluating him.

"Yes", he said, "And you don't ".

☆☆☆

My blood boils, and I charge at him, arms blazing, as he told me that I need to let Gran be taken.

"What kind of heartless person are you!", I scream, taking a swing at his face. He deflects it with a side step and smoothly grabs my punching hand and twists me into an arm bend.

"I am not the enemy here Olivia. But I can very much become someone you don't want to mess with", he said with anger simmering in his eyes.

I don't even question how he knows my name. He knew so much about me, why would knowing my name seem so surprising?

"I do not attempt to hurt you, you shall not attempt to hurt me, " he applies pressure to my arm, causing me to wince and move to my knees.

"Now listen," he keeps my hand locked as I hear his other hand shuffling through his pockets. "You are in danger," he said, throwing a photo at me. It lands next to me face down.

"I already know I'm in danger," I say as I reach for the photo. "The men from my house already told me that". I turn to glare at him. "They friends of yours?"

He had a genuine look of confusion on his face, but it lasted a mere second, but still, it broke his tough-man facade.

"They got to your house?", he turned me to face him and grabbed my shoulders, roughly, and said "Did. They. Touch. You?"

"No", I say firmly, trying to gain some distance. He pushed back and stood up, pacing as he took off his cap and ran his hands through his hair.

"They didn't touch me. They didn't get the chance, we were too far from each other" I say, trying to reassure him.

I startle as he sits and puts his head between his knees, he looks so defeated and tired.

"Why is it important?", I ask.

He ignores my question and proceeds to ask me his own. "Look at the picture, have you ever seen that before?"

I turn back to the photo in my hand. It was a book.

It was definitely well-loved, with a worn cover and dull pages. The title was in the same language from my dreams. I couldn't understand what it said, but seeing it told me that it was something special. Important.

I look at him and shake my head, "I've never seen it before".

He sighs "I thought as much"

"What does that book have to do with this?", I ask, hoping he would answer this question.

He closes his eyes and looks up at the sky. He is quiet for a long time, and I think he forgot about my question, until he says, "Those men think that you or your grandmother are in possession of that book", he turns the photo over in his hands, "It is of great value to them. Sadly, it is also of great value to me, which means I have to get to it first".

"Why do they think we have it?"

"It's not specifically you that they think have it. It's all of you. The Leavings". He ignores my confused look as he takes the photo from my outstretched hand. "In any case, you are not safe. They still think that you have the possibility of having it, so they'll be after you. I'll get you to a safe place, but I'll have to go", he straightens up. "I have a book to find", he says solemnly.

"Wait, what about Gran?"

"What about her?", he asks with genuine confusion.

"You said I'm still in danger. That means she is to", I say.

"She is. But she can deal with it", he said shrugging my concern off.

"What are you talking about? Gran isn't capable of hurting anyone, let alone those men," I force him to look at me, "I saw them dude. I saw them", I say with a shudder, "they don't seem like the type to take mercy on an old lady".

"You underestimate your grandmother Olivia. Watch, and she'll surprise you".

My response is cut short when an earth-shattering scream sets the birds flying.