The squelch of her fall broke the silence, drawing the traveler’s attention like a predator sensing weakness. His gaze snapped to her, and she could see the shift in his eyes—from surprise to a dark, calculating suspicion. He knew she wasn’t there by accident.
Without hesitation, the traveler stooped and grabbed a jagged rock from the ground, his intent unmistakable. Avery’s breath caught in her throat as terror washed over her, paralyzing her for a moment.