The ominous presence drew closer to Audrey and Jake, stalking its prey as rustling circled around them. Jake shifted in his seat where moments ago he'd been embracing his fiancée's tender kiss. He scanned the forest, desperately searching for answers. The shuffling intensified as the presence came closer. Yet another branch breaking. The blood-curdling screech of a curlew pierced their ears. Audrey inched closer to Jake, seeking refuge in his protective hold, but it did nothing to quiet her racing heart.

"What is it?" Audrey said, in a strained whisper. Her body trembled, igniting a primal instinct within him.

"Shh," he replied, standing from the bench. "Stay here."

He rolled up his sleeves and squeezed her hand before moving toward the tree line. A protracted rustle rushed through the bushes, then silence. It moved swiftly and cunningly, whatever it was. Lurking, waiting, watching.

Audrey pulled her arms around herself, hands to her face, as she bit her nails. Another crack behind her sent her spinning on her heel.

"Who's there?" Jake shouted.

A rush of wings bolted from the treetops as he continued his search, daring the predator to show itself. Jake pushed forward through the bushes and long grass. The creature wasn't there, he realised, and traced his steps back towards Audrey. But his stomach sunk as he saw a dark mass on her other side. Jake picked up his pace, primal instinct surging through him as he ran, but it sprinted out of sight before he reached her.

From the corner of her eye, something scurried past her, brushing against her leg as it fled. She recoiled as a shiver crept up her spine. Audrey narrowed her eyes, trying to see it, but she only caught a quick glimpse as it raced down the weathered dock and plunged into the lake.

Dread paralysed her for a fleeting moment, as she remained glued in place. She moved closer. Her curiosity piqued, and she leaned forward, trying to see through the tall reeds. But after only three small steps onto the dock, only ripples remained.

Unaware of Jake's approach, she startles when he placed his arm around her shoulders. As he held her, he pulled her in towards him, wrapping both arms around her. Tears stream down Audrey's face as she sobs, finding solace in his secure embrace. He kisses the top of her head, comforting her with a hush.

"Let's head back," he said, as he soothed her with his steady voice.

Once inside, Jake scanned the surrounding area before he pulled the door closed, locking it. He wasn't intending to stay the night, but there'd be no choice now. He couldn't leave Audrey in this state. Maybe it's time he moved in anyway, he thought. They'd be married within the year, so it was just a matter of time.

They amble down the hallway when three loud bangs come from the door. Audrey spun, wide-eyed, while Jake puffed up his chest readying himself to face the beast. He ducked into the kitchen, grabbing the first thing he could find to defend himself - a large carving knife, then moved to the door. Sucking in a deep breath, he turned the knob just as another bang reverberated against the door.

"Aislinn!" he blurted. "What the heck are you doing out here?"

She pushed past him, racing inside before slamming the door shut. Aislinn heaved, bent over at the waist, hands on her knees. Jake studied her, checking for any sign of blood or injury, while his scattered mind tried to make sense of it all.

Aislinn raised her head to speak. "Did you see it? There's something out there, Jake."

He nods, considering what to say without causing further panic. "Tell me what happened, from the beginning," he said, ushering her into the kitchen.

At the kitchen island, Aislinn watched Jake prepare mugs of hot chocolate. That's what his mother always did when something bothered him, he recalled. Hopefully, she'd find comfort in it, too.

"So," he said, prompting her to speak.

"So," she exaggerated, "I was in the rose garden, just chilling with some music. I was lying on the grass, looking at the stars. I must've fallen asleep, because when I woke there was this huge creature standing over me."

Jake wanted to be sceptical but knowing what he and Audrey experienced just minutes earlier, he put two and two together. It's the same ominous creature that preyed on them. His blood boiled, and he kicked himself, having been the one who locked the door - leaving Aislinn out there to fend for herself. Not that he'd done it purposefully. He'd never harm his future stepdaughter. The complete opposite, in fact; he'd gladly lay down his life to protect both Audrey and Aislinn, if it ever came to it.

"I'm sorry, Ais."

"It's not your fault. Why are you sorry?"

"I locked the door," he said sheepishly. "I didn't realise you were out there. I thought you were in your room."

Aislinn laughed. "Like I said, it's not your fault. Anyway, I don't think it can get inside, so I'm going to go to bed. It's getting late."

Jake nodded. "Alright. Your Mum and I are in the next room if you need us. OK?"

"Thanks Jake," she replied with a smile, before running off to her room.

Before heading back to bed, Jake ensured the doors were all locked and secure, then climbed into the four-poster bed.

As he lay there together with Audrey, she curled into his side, still half asleep. The comforting thud of his heartbeat pounded in her ears where her head now rested. Jake stroked her hair as he resolved himself, determined to protect both Audrey and her daughter - his family - from the predator lurking in the woods.