Yes.

As they reached the edge of the forest, Gilly let out a sigh of relief. The trees with their thick branches protected them from the rain. The air smelled damp and moist, and wafts of mist drifted through the underwood, but they were safe. Gilly felt her arousal recede. If there had been any doubt left that the storm was causing these emotions, she thought - this surely must be the proof, right?

Katarina led the way. Gilly hadn't been to the forest for quite few years. Since she was old enough to help her father in the bakery, there had always been some work to do during the day. The years when she had had free time to roam the area were long gone. Kata had been luckier in that regard, as far as she knew - her father, the smith, had sent her with Hunter Grisson to gather materials when he he was busy. Wood, animal bones and horns and whatever else they needed for the blacksmith. Gilly didn't really know.

After what felt like hours of walking, Gilly saw where Kata was was leading her. There was a small clearing in amongst the trees and in the middle there was a small hut. The hut was surranded by brush but it was clearly cared for, a small pot with a single yellow flower sat by the side of the rounded front door. The flower looked to be the only superfluous thing about the hut. Everything else was just the bare necessities.

As they approached the mysterious hut, Kata raised her hand and hissed softly. Gilly froze in her tracks.

"There's somebody inside. Stay quiet." Katarina whispered to her friend. Gilly felt panic rising inside her. Had the hideous creatures anticipated their moves? If so, they were probably hiding in the forest, waiting for them to appear and...

Before she could finish her line of thought, she heard a twig snap right behind her.