𝒜 𝒢𝒾𝓇𝓁 𝒶𝓃𝒹 ℋℯ𝓇 ℳ𝒶ℯ𝓈𝓉𝓇ℴ {EDITING}

Chapter 8: Someplace Else

A/N: At the beginning of the chapter, it will give off some "Beauty and the Beast" vibes, especially with the forest scene, but other than that, hope you all will enjoy the chapter and be prepared to be excited, because Kelsey is about to meet ✨HIM✨:)!!!!

Kelsey's POV:

I scream again as soon as I witness Shadow run into the dark depths of the woods, disappearing completely.

I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed; Shadow never goes out, but when he does, he immediately comes back if I called his name, like I did before.

So, why did he ignore me when I called his name several times before I watched him vanish into the darkness?

It was almost like he was in a trance, like something was calling him. Something from inside the woods.

I rush back inside the house and grab the flashlight before I run back outside and go over to the fence, successfully jumping over it and make my way towards the entrance of the forest.

Then I stop, my eyes staring at the huge trees in front of my eyes. Nobody is allowed to go in, according to the Mayor.

But my cat was in there! And God knows what else is. He could get lost, or hurt, or....or worse!

I look back at the other houses over my shoulder, hoping to see if anyone else was out so they could help me look for Shadow, but nobody was.

Just then, I hear Shadow meowing somewhere in the woods, and I look back at the tall trees. "Hold on, Shadow! I'm coming!" I call out. Gathering up all of my courage, I take off into the forest, calling for my cat.

The forest was huge, very big with tall, dark trees with bushes and dead leaves lying on the ground all over as I run down a trail, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. I don't know how deep this forest goes, but looks like I'm about to find out.

I just hope that Shadow doesn't go too far. Maybe he saw something that made him run out of the house like that? Perhaps a stray cat?

It's a possibility, and I hope it is. And wherever he is, I hope he's okay.

"Shadow! Come here, boy!" I call out once more, looking around and pointing the light in every direction.

The sky was starting to get dark, meaning that night was upon us. I got to hurry and find my furry friend and get back home!

I shudder as a cold breeze comes as I continue to walk on leaves and twigs on the ground.

Wait. How did it become so cold?

I mean, sure, it was near the end of August, but Autumn doesn't come until late September. There's something rather particular about this forest that I couldn't quite put my finger on and figure out what. The trees look the same, but still.

Just with all the leaves in a tinted grayish green and even blue, adding in the moody setting.

****

I continue walking as the sky turns completely dark, but I see no stars. Must be overcast again or something.

But that was not above my worries; it was already nighttime and I've been walking for hours and I see no sign of Shadow anywhere.

I lean against a tree as I breathe heavily in worry.

What if I never find him? Tears fill my eyes as the question fills my head.

I really do hope that I find my only cat and find us a way out of here since it feels like I've been walking around circles in the past hour, and I can't exactly remember the way I came in from.