Beyond the Veil

Chapter 5

Sera hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should follow him. But the ominous feeling that she had felt earlier was growing stronger as she got closer to the source, and she knew that she had to find out what was happening. He knew something.

She quickly got up and followed Saul, keeping a safe distance behind him as he made his way deeper into the woods. He moved quickly and confidently, as if he knew exactly where he was going. She certainly didn't

As she followed him, Sera noticed that he seemed to possess a very proficient sense of direction and awareness, as if he was one with the woods.

Sera's blood ran cold as she heard a low deep menacing hiss, deep within the confines of the trees. She froze and fear shot through every inch of her body. What was she thinking coming out here away from the group? What was she thinking bringing a group of students out here?!

There wasn't time to ponder her past bad decisions, she crouched down and tried to search for Saul's lean figure. He was gone. It was hard to see as it was getting much darker, but she frantically looked for any sign of him.

She wasn't sure if she needed to find him because she was worried about him, or scared out of her mind. In reality, it was a mix of both.

She had to get out of here. She had to get out of here immediately. Wherever that hiss came from, she almost didn't even want to know. That's where this dark air had come from. The stench of rot and malice imbued itself within the whole area and Sera could not be rid of it. It was putrid.

She started the crawl back the way she came, but realized after a bit of walking that, one, whatever beast that was out here growling is gone, and two, she had absolutely no idea where she was, or how to get back to the campsite.

Coming out on this camping trip was an awful idea.

Sera had no one to blame but herself, she knew it was a bad idea and went anyway, even endorsing it, hanging up fliers, and leading her cohort into a forest with a monster running rampant inside of it. All the rumors were true.

For the first time in a long time, a tear fell down her cheek, and she just sat lamely on the ground. Sera didn't bother to brush the dirt and grime off of her, no one could see her anyway, she had no idea where she was. She had no idea how she was going to get back, and she let another tear slip down her face. She knew she had to stand up and try to find the way back.

"You shouldn't have followed me." Sera heard a voice from behind her, she turned to see Saul leaning against a tree looking down at her. He must have seen her crying, he definitely sees her looking like a complete disaster of dirt and foliage, yet there isn't any judgment on his face, only cool smooth undertones, and a stern look within his eyes.

Sera jumped at the sudden appearance, and couldn't help but feel a little annoyed, "I couldn't just sit there and do nothing. I wanted to make sure you were okay." That wasn't a total lie, but it wasn't the complete truth either.

"That seems to have worked out well for you." He said pointedly, indicating Sera crying on the ground in the middle of the forest.

Sera didn't pay any mind to the jab at her, she stood up and brushed herself off, "You felt it too, that... I don't even know how to describe it... that wave of danger."

He said nothing and simply raised a brow at her.

"Well?" Sera said expectantly.

"I apologize, I have no idea what you're talking about." Saul replied evenly. This was a lie, Sera knew he was openly lying to her.

"You're lying. You know." Sera demanded, she was stressed beyond belief and needed answers for why terrible things always seemed to happen when he was nearby. Coldness follows wherever he goes, and Sera needed an explanation.

Saul looked at her sympathetically, "I don't know what you're referring to, but what I do know is how to get back with the others. I can take you to the stream first so you can get yourself cleaned up. You'll feel better."

Sera evaluated him, looking him up and down. He was spotless, despite trenching through the forest, hiking for hours, and Sera could only presume he came in contact with the thing that created the hiss. It didn't make sense.

"Where were you 30 minutes ago?" Sera asked.

"Come on, Sera. Let me take you back. " Saul replied. How did he know her name? Brushing her off like this just made her more determined for answers.

"How do you know my name?" she quipped, her voice sounded more accusatory then she meant it to.

Saul didn't say anything and just held his hand out to help her up. She waited to see if he would reply, when the silence continued, she gave in and took his hand, using it to pull herself off the ground. His hand felt cold, but his grip was firm and strong. She picked up her map which was covered in mud, and sighed deeply, sticking the muddy piece of crumpled paper into her pocket.

"You don't need a map, I know the area well. Come on." Saul said, gently pulling her along. She had no choice but to trust him, she had no idea where she was going, and he was unexpectedly considerate of her, considering the circumstances.

She nodded, and followed him as he led the way. As they walked, she couldn't help but wonder what he was hiding and why he seemed to be so connected to the woods and whatever it was that lurked within them. He seemed set on keeping secrets from her, his answers didn't convince her that he didn't know anything, only that he didn't want her to know. She knew that she would have to find out the truth, but for now, she was just relieved to be headed back with the group and safe.

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After cleaning up at the stream, Saul led Sera back to the campsite. The group was still there, sitting around the fire and roasting marshmallows. They all looked up as Sera and Saul approached, a few of them catcalling as they walked up to the group. Sera rolled her eyes, annoyed at the insinuation, Saul had his usual stoic expression.

Sera explained to the group that they had gotten lost, but Saul had been able to guide them back to the campsite. She didn't mention the strange feeling she had felt earlier, or the sound she had heard in the woods. It all seemed too unbelievable to put into words.

The rest of the night was minorly uneventful, one of the students brought alcohol, despite Sera lecturing all of them on the rules, multiple times. Sera was too tired to try to take it away, plus she didn't want to ruin everyone's night, and she especially didn't want to get anyone in trouble at school.

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The group arrived back at the campus early in the morning, tired but exhilarated from their camping trip. Sera thanked everyone for coming and wished them all a good night. As she watched them all head off to their dorms, she turned to Saul.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked.

Saul nodded and slowed his pace down for her to catch up.

They walked together in silence for a moment before Sera finally spoke up. "I need to know what's going on," she said. "I need to know how you felt the same presence I was feeling, and why you were able to guide us back to the campsite so easily. It was completely dark."

Saul hesitated for a moment before answering. " I just know these woods better than most people."

Sera said nothing, understanding that he wasn't going to reveal anything. She probably sounded crazy, and he was a complete stranger. Regardless, he definitely didn't want to talk about whatever it was that she needed to hear. "Okay," she said. "But I want you to know that I'm not dropping this." She looked at him sternly.

Saul smiled at her. "I'll keep that in mind."