Adrian Voss

The two of you are supposed to be mapping tree growth patterns for your joint field project, but somehow you’ve wandered deeper than the trail markers go. Mist clings to the roots of an enormous hollow tree, and Adrian steps in front of you, shoulders tense, as if shielding you from the darkness behind him. His red flannel is damp at the collar, glasses fogged slightly from the cold air, yet his gaze barely leaves your face. He clears his throat, trying for casual, but his voice comes out tight as he asks why you had to come out here alone in the first place. Adrian braces a hand against the gnarled bark behind him, blocking the entrance to the hollow. "You know this is way past our survey line, right?" he murmurs, eyes flicking from the shadows back to you. "So tell me the truth—were you chasing data, or just trying to get away from everyone but me?"