EXT. A DARK FOREST - NIGHT

The rustling of leaves is the only sound as we make out the form of a man, DEREK, walking down the path in the dark forest. He seems to be walking slowly, lost in thought.

DEREK (to himself):
The atmosphere is somber on this silent night, why do I seek myself in solitude?

Derek stops as he sees something in the distance on the path. It's a traveler, lying still on the ground, as if he had been in an accident.

DEREK (to himself):
Who is the traveler on the path where the accident occurred?

Derek approaches the traveler slowly and kneels beside him. As Derek checks on the traveler, he notices something strange about him. His breath is burning and he seems to be sighing in pain.

DEREK (to himself):
The burning breath and shattered sighs, the air feels like shards.

Derek looks around but there's no sign of anyone nearby.

DEREK (to himself):
It's dark like a cave and empty as no one has come.

Derek sits beside the traveler, lost in thought when suddenly we SEE a woman approaching from the distance, she is unique and mystical.

DEREK (to himself):
You were the one who stayed as my shadow.

The woman, NISHA, approaches Derek and the traveler.

NISHA:
What brings you to this place?

DEREK:
I was just passing by when I saw this traveler lying here.

NISHA:
He's been struck by something dark and mysterious.

DEREK:
Do you know what that could be?

NISHA:
No, but I sense something ominous in this forest today.

DEREK:
What do we do now?

NISHA:
We will take him to the tavern. There, we will find solace.

Derek and Nisha lift the traveler and take him to the tavern, which is hidden in the depths of the forest.

INT. THE TAVERN - NIGHT

The tavern is dimly lit, with a few patrons who seem to be lost in thought. Nisha lays the traveler on a couch while Derek looks around. There, in the darkness of the inn, Derek sees an eerie shadow that seems to follow him.

DEREK (to himself):
I can't bear to be away from you, swear on my life, keep me prisoner in your thoughts.

Nisha approaches Derek, sensing his anxiety.

NISHA:
What troubles you?

DEREK:
There's a dark presence here. I feel it.

NISHA:
Fear not. I'll be by your side.

DEREK:
In my story, you are the tavern that brings solace. Here and wherever I go, it's dark and no one comes; you will remain my shadow.

Suddenly, there's a loud crash from outside. Derek and Nisha run outside to see what is happening.

EXT. THE TAVERN - NIGHT

Outside, there's a blazing wind that is blowing through the forest, throwing everything around. They see a flame of fear that shines bright in the distance.

DEREK (to himself):
A strange autumn prevails on these winds, something is black and something is dark.

As Derek and Nisha move forward, they see a group of people holding torches, chanting in unison. They seem lost in a trance.

DEREK (to himself):
Here, silent screams and even death, everything feels suspended in between.

They approach the group, but before they can say anything, the travelers suddenly wakes up, screaming in pain.

TRAVELER:
They're coming for me. They're coming for me.

DEREK:
Who's coming for you? Who did this to you?

But before the traveler can answer, there's a sudden silence in the forest. Everything is still. Derek and Nisha look around, but there's no one there.

NISHA:
We must go back to the tavern. It's not safe out here.

DEREK:
I agree.

FADE TO BLACK.

*MUSIC PLAYS*

INT. THE TAVERN - NIGHT

Once they're back inside the tavern, Derek and Nisha take care of the traveler. They try to learn more about him, but he's too terrified to speak. Suddenly the lights go out.

DEREK:
What is happening?

NISHA:
I don't know.

Suddenly, we see creatures coming out of the shadows; they seem to be the same ones who attacked the traveler.

DEREK (to himself):
The scorching wind is blowing, somewhere the flame of fear burns bright.

Derek fights against the creatures while Nisha protects the traveler, but they are outnumbered.

DEREK (to Nisha):
We must get out of here. Run!

Derek, Nisha, and the traveler run out of the tavern, followed by the creatures. They are running as fast as they can, but the creatures are gaining on them.

DEREK (to himself):
Here, searching my soul for peace, where you are alive like a corpse.

Suddenly, they see light in the distance. It's the exit to the forest.

DEREK (to himself):
The scorching wind is blowing, somewhere the flame of fear burns bright.

As they exit the forest and enter a meadow, the creatures stop chasing them. They look back to see the creatures staring at them as they walk away.

DEREK:
What just happened?

NISHA:
I don't know. But we made it out alive.

DEREK:
Thank you for your help.

NISHA:
We must stick together now, for it seems that you will never be rid of the shadow that follows you.

DEREK:
What shadow?

NISHA:
The one that you see in your dreams. The one that brought you here.

Derek looks back, and we see the shadow of Nisha, standing in the darkness of the forest.

DEREK (to himself):
It's dark like a cave and empty as no one has come. You were the one who stayed as my shadow.
FADE TO BLACK.

*MUSIC PLAYS*

THE END.
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