The group's eyes followed the stranger's gaze to the window, where they saw shadowy figures lurking in the darkness. The wind howled, and the trees creaked ominously, making it seem like the figures were closing in.
"We need to secure the lodge," Tom said, his voice firm. "We can't let them get in."
The group quickly sprang into action, barricading doors and windows with whatever they could find. Emma and Rachel worked together, using heavy furniture to block the doors, while Jack and Alex secured the windows with wooden boards.
Meanwhile, the stranger stood frozen, their eyes fixed on the figures outside. "We can't hold out for long," they whispered. "They'll find a way in."
As the group finished their preparations, the figures outside began to move closer. They were methodical and calculated, surrounding the lodge and cutting off any potential escape routes.
The group huddled together, listening to the sounds of the figures outside. They could hear footsteps crunching through the snow, and the occasional creak of a tree branch.
"What do they want?" Emma whispered, her voice trembling.
The stranger's eyes darted around the room. "I don't know, but I think it's me they're after. You guys need to get out of here."
"We're not leaving you," Jack said firmly. "We'll figure this out together."
As the night wore on, the group's anxiety grew. They knew they couldn't hold out for long, and they needed a plan to escape.
"Maybe we can sneak out," Rachel suggested. "If we can find a way to distract them, we might be able to get away."
"But where would we go?" Emma asked. "We're in the middle of nowhere."
"We could try to make it to the nearest town," Tom said. "It's a risk, but it's better than staying here."
The group discussed their options, weighing the pros and cons of each plan. As they talked, the figures outside continued to move closer, their presence making the group feel more and more trapped.
Suddenly, the phone rang again, shrill and loud. The group exchanged nervous glances.
"Should we answer it?" Alex asked.
The stranger nodded. "Maybe it's someone who can help us."
Tom picked up the phone, his voice cautious. "Hello?"
A pause.
"Who is this?"
Another pause.
Tom's face turned pale. "Okay, we understand."
He hung up, his eyes locked on the group.
"What is it?" Emma asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tom's voice was grim. "They want us to surrender. They say if we don't hand over the stranger, they'll break in."
The group's hearts sank as they realized their situation was dire. Would they be able to survive the night, or would they become the figures' next victim
The group looked at each other, weighing their options. Would they hand over the stranger, or would they fight to protect them? The decision would determine their fate, and possibly the fate of others.
"We can't just give them up," Jack said, his voice firm. "We don't know what's going on, or what these people want."
"I agree," Emma said. "We need to protect each other, no matter what."
The group nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination. They would stand together, no matter what the cost.
But as they steeled themselves for what was to come, the figures outside began to move closer, their shadows looming large on the walls.
The group's hearts pounded in unison as they realized their stand might be their last.