The sun rose over Berk, illuminating the landscape with a golden glow. Excitement filled the air as the Hofferson family prepared for a picnic in the lush forest. The twins, Juniper and Scott, could hardly contain their enthusiasm as they ran in circles, eagerly discussing all the fun they would have. Freya and Twig, older and more cautious, exchanged knowing glances, their protective instincts kicking in.

"Remember to stay close, you two," Freya reminded, her voice steady but kind. "We want to have fun, but we also need to be careful."

"We will!" Juniper replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

As they made their way into the forest, the aroma of wildflowers mingled with the scent of pine, creating an inviting atmosphere. Astrid and Mathew, unable to resist the allure of adventure, darted ahead, giggling and chasing each other through the trees.

"Catch me if you can!" Mathew shouted, his laughter echoing through the woods.

"Wait for me!" Astrid called, her heart racing with excitement as she pursued her brother deeper into the forest.

Freya and Twig exchanged worried glances, but they knew better than to try and stifle the joy of their younger siblings. They stayed alert, their senses heightened, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

As Mathew and Astrid played, they stumbled upon a small clearing filled with vibrant flowers and sunlight streaming through the branches above. They stopped to catch their breath, marveling at the beauty surrounding them.

"This is amazing!" Mathew exclaimed, bending down to pick a bright blue flower. "Look, Astrid!"

But in the shadows, a sinister figure lurked, watching the siblings with a predatory gaze. The bad man, cloaked in darkness, stepped closer, his intentions clear.

Just as Astrid turned to admire Mathew's flower, she caught sight of the bad man approaching. Her heart raced, fear gripping her as she realized the danger they were in.

"Mathew! Run!" she screamed, her voice filled with terror.

But before they could escape, the bad man lunged forward, a knife glinting menacingly in his hand. In an instant, he stabbed Mathew in the side, the blade piercing flesh and sending a shockwave of horror through Astrid.

"NO!" Astrid cried, rushing to her brother's side, her small hands trembling as she tried to assess the wound. "Mathew!"

Just then, Freya and Twig burst into the clearing, alerted by Astrid's screams. They saw the bad man and instantly sprang into action, driven by a fierce determination to protect their siblings.

"Get away from them!" Twig shouted, brandishing a makeshift weapon. Freya followed suit, her expression fierce and resolute.

The bad man turned his attention to the older siblings, but in that moment, the air crackled with tension. He smirked, ready to strike again, but before he could act, Freya and Twig launched their attack, aiming to drive him away.

Just as their weapons clashed with the bad man's, he vanished into thin air, leaving only a chilling silence in his wake. The siblings stood frozen for a moment, the reality of what just happened sinking in.

Astrid knelt beside Mathew, her hands shaking as she tried to stop the bleeding. Tears streamed down her face, and she could hardly comprehend what had just transpired.

"Stay with me, Mathew! Please!" she begged, her voice cracking.

But Mathew, pale and gasping, managed a weak smile. "I'm… I'm okay, Astrid…" His voice was barely a whisper. "Just… just keep playing. I'll be right back…"

"No! Don't leave me!" she cried, her heart breaking as she clutched his hand tightly.

Freya and Twig rushed to their side, their faces filled with horror as they realized the gravity of the situation. Freya knelt beside Astrid, trying to assess Mathew's wound. "We need to get him help! Now!"

In the midst of the chaos, the laughter and joy of the picnic felt like a distant memory. The forest, once a place of wonder, had turned into a nightmare.

As Twig helped lift Mathew, Astrid's cries echoed through the trees, mingling with the whispering winds. The bond between the siblings, tested in that moment, would change them forever as they rushed to save Mathew, knowing that nothing would ever be the same again.