𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} - 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 [1] ✔️

11. EPPING FOREST

AS WE MADE OUR WAY THROUGH THE TWISTING PATHS of Epping Forest, the only noise that could be heard was the gentle purr of the engine. Eventually, the car came to a stop in the desolate car park, encircled by the eerie blackness of the trees. It was evident that no one would willingly enter this void, but we had a different purpose in mind.

The engine sputtered to a halt and the headlights dimmed, enveloping us in complete darkness. Stepping out onto the ground, our feet sank into the soft soil beneath us. The forest stretched out before us, a vast realm of shadows and enigmas.

The moon remained hidden, obscured by the dense foliage above. This was a relief, as we knew the Children of the Moon would not be in their true state tonight. Nevertheless, we proceeded cautiously, our senses sharp and alert. In this forest, anything was possible.

As we ventured deeper into the impenetrable thicket, the symphony of nature's whispers grew louder, the rustling of twigs and the crunching of leaves beneath our feet echoing through the towering trees. Gabriel led the way, his footsteps resolute and self-assured, cutting through the dense undergrowth with purpose. Suddenly, he came to an abrupt halt, and we mirrored his actions, our eyes fixated on his every move as he pivoted to face us, his gaze filled with a mix of caution and anticipation.

"Deer are abundant in this forest," Gabriel declared, his voice calm and composed. "We usually capture three or four every month."

Intrigued, I couldn't resist but inquire, "Aren't they endangered due to hunting?"

Gabriel chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Not in this forest. The deer population here is carefully monitored and managed to ensure their survival. We only take what we need, and we do so with respect for the balance of nature."

As we continued our journey deeper into the forest, I couldn't help but marvel at the harmony that existed between man and nature in this secluded wilderness. Gabriel's knowledge of the land and its inhabitants was truly remarkable, and I found myself eager to learn more about his way of life.

Gabriel's gaze bore into me, filled not only with concern but also a hint of fear. It was as if he could sense the insatiable hunger that gnawed at my insides, threatening to consume me whole. His voice, laced with urgency, pierced through the silence, "You must learn to control your thirst."

The ache in my gut intensified, a constant reminder of the void that needed to be filled. My parched throat begged for relief, aching with every swallow. Desperation washed over me, and I instinctively reached for my throat, hoping to ease the discomfort that plagued me.

Joseph interjected, his voice steady and matter-of-fact, "You'll have to go hunting."

With a resolute nod, we ventured into the depths of the forest, our bodies moving with an otherworldly grace and fluidity. The world around us blurred as we sprinted at an astonishing speed, our senses heightened to an extraordinary level. The symphony of nature enveloped us, the vibrant colors and melodious sounds of the forest captivating my senses. I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate tapestry of life that surrounded us.

Finally, we arrived at the precipice of a cliff, the vast expanse of nature stretching out before us. Gabriel's voice, gentle yet commanding, broke through the tranquility, "Close your eyes."

I obeyed, trusting in his guidance, as the world around me faded into darkness.

"What do you hear?" he inquired.

I focused intently, my ears attuned to the hoot of an owl, the chattering of a squirrel, and then...the gentle rustling of a deer. Its heart raced at their own pace and rhythm and as I opened my eyes, I beheld the creature serenely grazing nearby. The scent of its blood wafted towards me, enticing and warm, and I knew what I had to do.