**Chapter 5: Shadows in the Dark**

As I sit back against the car, trying to rest and recover, the trees seem to close in around me, their branches creaking ominously in the gentle breeze. I take another swig of whiskey, feeling a little more numb, a little more able to cope with the pain. But my mind is still racing, thinking about Dean, and what he's capable of. I wonder if he's still out there, watching me, waiting for his chance to strike. The darkness seems to be gathering around me, like a living entity. I glance around, trying to get my bearings, but the trees seem to loom over me, casting long, ominous shadows on the ground. I shiver, despite the warmth of the evening, and wonder if I'm really safe here. For now, though, it's the best I can do. As I sit there, I start to feel a sense of unease. It's not just the pain from my wound that's bothering me, it's the feeling that I'm being watched. I try to shake off the feeling, telling myself I'm just being paranoid, but I know better. I've been in this game long enough to know that sometimes your instincts are the only thing that can keep you alive. I glance around, trying to see if there's anyone or anything out there, but the darkness seems to swallow everything in sight. I strain my ears, listening for any sound that might indicate someone - or something - is nearby. The only sound is the distant hum of crickets and the occasional hooting of an owl. Suddenly, I hear a rustling in the bushes nearby. I freeze, my heart racing, as a figure emerges from the darkness. It's a woman, tall and imposing, with piercing green eyes that seem to bore into my soul. She's dressed in a long, flowing coat that seems to billow behind her like a dark cloud. "Who are you?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, but my hand instinctively reaches for the knife I keep under the seat. The woman doesn't answer. Instead, she walks towards me, her eyes fixed on my wound. She peels back the makeshift bandage I applied earlier, and I wince as she takes in the extent of the damage. "You need help," she says, her voice low and husky. "And I think I can provide it." I'm wary, unsure of what to make of this mysterious woman, but I know I don't have many options. I nod, and she begins to rummage through her coat, pulling out a small medical kit. "My name is Raven," she says, as she starts to clean and dress my wound with a practiced hand. "And you, my friend, are in a lot of trouble." I watch her, unsure of what to make of her, but grateful for her help. As she works, I notice that she seems to be watching the surrounding trees, her eyes darting back and forth as if she's waiting for something - or someone - to emerge from the darkness. "What do you know about Dean?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. Raven's eyes flicker towards mine, and for a moment, I see a flash of something like concern. But then, her expression hardens, and she says, "I know he's not someone you want to mess with. But I also know that you might be the only one who can stop him." I'm taken aback by her words, unsure of what to make of them. But before I can ask any more questions, Raven stands up, her eyes scanning the surrounding area once more. "We need to get out of here," she says, her voice low and urgent. "Now."