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Dark trees tower over me, blocking out the warmth of the sun as I tread along the empty pathway. Occasional ‘hoots’ and ‘rustles’ come from the shadows beyond my range of sight.
Cracks and chipped stone cover the passage beneath my bare feet. A chilling breeze passes by, brushing over my arms while I am slowly approaching the end of the trail.
I strain my ears to listen if the voice in the woods is calling out to me once more.
Come, it had said. Join me in a world without fear nor worry and filled only with joy and love. Join me, in my world.
It had sounded warm and inviting at that moment when I was passing by, but as I stray from the light, I recall the voice as sharp and demanding.
I come to a gradual stop when I notice a tall, dark figure hidden in the shadows by my destination.
Come, it says, its voice holding no emotion. Join me in a land where no evil exists and where all is attainable. Join me, in our land.
Haunting memories flash before my eyes, as I listen to the individual speaking directly to me. Pure hatred and disgust glaring down upon me. The beatings I would receive as punishment for not being a ‘normal’ son. Thinking that I am helping people with my power but only to embarrass myself. The torture I would feel when my ‘gift’ backfired and left me slipping out of consciousness, sprawled on the splattered wooden floorboards. Running away from the place I used to call home.
There’s no place left for me in this world. This thing is offering me more than I would ever want.
I flinch when I feel something warm and furry brush against my leg. A striking wolf with a set jaw looks up at me from its grey, innocent eyes. Almost as if comforting me…
If I go with this…man, there will be more than this. The only things I am familiar with in this realm are evil. Nothing wants me. I’m useless here.
I make my way once more, step by step, cautiously observing my path.
No one will miss me. I have nothing to lose. My existence here has brought nothing good to me. My life would be better off in flames.
A sudden force pushes me off of the cement and onto the wet overgrowth.
DO NOT TAKE A STEP CLOSER, CHILD.
I look around me. The figure that had been standing in the shadows is now being thrown across the forest floor, comparable to a rag doll. Shouts of agony reach to the tops of the trees and echo throughout the area.
What’s happening? What is wrong with the man? There is no one else here but me!
Confusion and fear is running through me when I notice a shadow that belongs to no object stalking toward the man sagging against a tree. Its head has a mutated shape to it, as if it has been squeezed and morphed. The torso looking almost as if the body could belong to a human, but the legs show no similarity to human nature. Twisted and bent in all of the wrong places, the legs lead the way to the creature’s prey.
Fool. Do not think you can just take what has always belonged to me.
The man’s features start to appear clearer as the moonlight seeps through the gaps in the dead branches. Striking blue eyes narrow when its gaze lands on me.
