OUR WHOLE LIFE

The Hounds of Darkness

Once upon a time, in a small, isolated village, nestled deep within the woods, there existed a legend that persisted through generations. The villagers whispered tales of monstrous entities lurking in the shadows, preying on the unwary who dared to wander too far from the safety of their homes.

The legend told of "The Hounds of Darkness," a pack of grotesque creatures that emerged every full moon. With eyes that shimmered like embers and teeth sharper than any knife, these monsters were said to be the vengeful spirits of those who had perished in the woods, seeking retribution against the living.

One fateful night, a group of five friends—Emma, Jake, Sarah, Tom, and Lily—decided to test their courage by venturing into the woods just as the moon rose high in the sky. They laughed and shared stories, the flickering light of their campfire barely illuminating the darkness that surrounded them. Oblivious to the tales that chilled their village, they believed they were safe together.

As the night deepened, an unsettling silence enveloped the woods. The usual sounds of nocturnal creatures faded into an eerie hush. The friends sat around the fire, their laughter waning as an unseen tension began to grip them. Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the depths of the trees—a sound that sent chills down their spines.

"It's just the wind," Jake asserted, though his voice trembled. But the others could not shake off the feeling of being watched. Shadows seemed to dance at the edges of the firelight, circling closer. Then, out of the darkness, glowing eyes appeared. They were numerous, flickering like fireflies, and the growling grew louder. Fear sank into their hearts.

Without warning, the first creature lunged into the light—a massive beast, taller than a man, with matted fur that was blacker than the night. Its razor-sharp teeth glistened ominously, and as it snarled, a foul stench filled the air. Panic erupted among the friends as they scrambled to escape.

They ran deeper into the woods, branches snapping underfoot, hearts pounding like war drums. The sounds of growling multiplied, and soon they realized they weren't just being chased by one monster but an entire pack. The hounds were relentless, racing through the underbrush with a speed that defied belief.

One by one, the friends fell victim to the horrors of the night. Tom was the first to be caught, dragged into the darkness with a chilling scream that echoed hauntingly among the trees. Sarah and Lily stumbled over each other in their desperation, but the night was unforgiving. Another scream pierced the air as another friend vanished into the clutches of the hounds.

Emma and Jake managed to slip away, their breath ragged as they found themselves lost in the maze of trees. Just when they thought they had lost their pursuers, they stumbled upon a decrepit old cabin. Half-collapsed and covered in vines, it appeared to be abandoned.

Dashing inside, they barricaded the door with whatever furniture they could find. Trembling, they sought refuge in the dim light, huddled together, trying to control their breathing. But outside, the sounds of growling and scratching at the door grew louder, the hounds were aware of their hiding place. They could hear the scratches on the door, sounds of eager anticipation.

"What do we do?" Emma whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"We wait," Jake replied, his voice resolute despite the fear that gripped him.

Hours seemed to pass. The hounds finally grew tired of their game, and the forest fell into an eerie silence once more. Yet, the horror was far from over. The sunlight broke through, illuminating the woods, but the friends could not escape what they had witnessed. They were the last two, painfully aware that the darkness still lurked just outside the cabin walls.

But as they prepared to make a dash for safety, a chilling realization washed over them. The hounds were not merely beasts of the night—they had become something worse: protectors of the forest, now guarding their souls against intruders. Emma dared to peek outside, only to find the glowing eyes watching her from the shadows.

Ultimate dread settled within her. They were trapped, and the woods would never let them go. As the sun set once more, and another moon began to rise, the villagers would hear the distant howls echo through the trees. And as for Emma and Jake? They became part of the legend, forever cursed to roam the night, joining the ranks of The Hounds of Darkness.

The end... or perhaps just the beginning.