What was supposed to be a quick day hike turned into something far worse. When Venu Vanakar-an experienced outdoorsman and Vikram's older brother-vanishes near a remote Pacific Northwest trailhead, the search yields nothing but questions. Authorities chalk it up to a tragic accident. Vikram isn't so sure. Driven by grief and a need for answers, he returns to the place where Venu disappeared-only to uncover a chilling truth hidden deep in the forest. Something ancient watches from the shadows. Something territorial. Something not meant to be found. As Vikram digs deeper, he discovers that some trails were never meant to be followed.