The shadow in the night

They turned and ran, leaving the indigenous people behind in fear, dashing down the path in front of them as fast as they could.

But the woman was right behind them, her footsteps pounding the earth. Maria and John could hear her breathing, feel her hot breath on their necks.

They ran for what felt like hours, their hearts pounding in their chests. But no matter how fast they ran, the woman was always right behind them.

Just when they thought they couldn't run anymore, Maria saw a light up ahead. It was a small clearing, filled with a soft, golden light.

Without hesitation, Maria and John dashed towards the light, hoping to find safety. But as they entered the clearing, they realized they were not alone.

A figure was standing in the center of the clearing, waiting for them. It was Kanaq, her eyes gleaming with a knowing light.

"Welcome," she said, her voice dripping with mystery. "I have been waiting for you."

Maria and John were confused. What was Kanaq doing here? And why di the teefore they could ask any questions, the woman emerged from the shadows, her eyes blazing with fury.

"You fools," she spat. "You think you can escape me? I will always find you."

And with that, she raised her hand, and Maria and John felt a strange energy wash over them. They tried to run, but their feet felt heavy, as if they were rooted to the spot.

Kanaq stepped forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "You will not harm them," she said, her voice firm and commanding.

The woman sneered. "You think you can stop me?" she said. "I have the power of the ancient ones on my side."

Kanaq smiled. "I have the power of the jungle on my side," she said. "And I will not let you harm these two."

With that, Kanaq raised her hands, and the jungle seemed to come alive around them. Vines and creepers snaked out of the undergrowth, wrapping themselves around the woman and holding her in place.

Maria and John watched in amazement as Kanaq seemed to control the jungle itself. They knew they owed her their lives.

But as they turned to thank her, they saw something that made their blood run cold. The woman was transforming, her body contorting and twisting until she was no longer human.

"W-what is she?" Maria stammered, her eyes wide with fear.

Kanaq's face was grim. "She is a servant of the darkness," she said. "And she will stop at nothing to claim you."