I'd Sell My Soul

Chapter 26: The woods have eyes

Allison's POV:

I was trekking through the woods, listening for sounds of anything; tree branches rustling, bushes moving, twigs snapping. But it was silent. I could barely make out what was in front of my face but I was trying not to use the flashlight on my phone, so as to not give away my position. I thought I was pursing this guy. I thought I was hunting him. But it's too quiet in here and it makes me think he's not running, he's watching. I freeze in where I'm standing. I am being watched.

"It isn't time yet Allison." A voice says. I whirl around, searching for a body to match the voice but find no one.

"Who are you?" I'm still searching the forest floor. It's like the person is invisible.

"You're not playing the game right Allison." The voice says.

"What's your game? You murder innocent children? That's not a game that's fucked." I scoff.

"Sophie is the chosen one. She's a special little girl. Just like her mother was." The voice responds.

"You are so sick you know that? Leave my niece alone! When I find you, you're so dead!" I yell as I spin around.

"Allison, I'm not planning on hurting her." The voice says in a sing song way.

"Then what the hell do you want with her?!" I demand.

"Tell Levi, a friend of a friend says hello." The voice sounds.

"Allison!" I hear Levi call in the distance. I look around the woods again. No one. And aside from Levi calling for me, it's silent again. Unsure of what to do, I start running towards the sound of Levi's voice. I find him and the edge of the property line.

"Levi!" I wave my arms so he can see me in the dark.

"Oh my God Allison!" He reaches me and pulls me into a hug. "Are you hurt?" He reels back and looks me up and down.

"No he...he got away." I pant, looking back at the woods.

"That was so stupid, you know that? You could've gotten into some serious trouble Al." Levi starts lecturing me.

"He's gonna take Sophie." I blurt out and look up at him.

"What? How do you know?" Levi's eyes grow wide.

"He told me. I couldn't see him but he spoke to me." I say, out of breath. I keep looking over my shoulder half expecting something to chase after us, but I know it's just the anxiety manifesting.

"Jesus. What does he want with her?!" Levi exclaims.

"He said she's the chosen one. He said I'm not playing the game right." I continue.

"What the...we gotta get back to the house and meet the sheriff." He puts an arm around me and starts guiding me back to the house. I stop and pull away. "He said he knows you."

"Obviously we haven't been introduced. Who the hell is this guy?" Levi shakes his head in disbelief.

"Let's just get to Sophie." I cling to his sleeve and we start again to the house.

All the sheriff did was check the woods and take down the report. Officer Jake Barnes came back from the woods and let us know he found what he called a 'blind' in the tree canopy above which was most likely where the killer was perched while speaking to me. This adds an extra layer of freak to the disturbing event. After the officers left, Levi insisted on sleeping on the couch which I didn't mind. I set up the couch with linens, a pillow, and warm blankets for him. I laid in bed staring at the ceiling but at this point nothing could lull me to sleep. My door creaks open and I sit up to see Sophie. She wanders over to the bed and crawls in next to me like a little kid. I pull Farrah's quilt over her.

"She said it was weaved with protective qualities, right?" I whisper. Sophie nods. She snuggles in closer and puts her head on my shoulder. I pull her in and put my arms around her. "Aww honey. I promise. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

"That's what I'm worried about Aunt Ali." Sophie whispers. "He'll kill you to get to me."

"I'm just gonna refuse death, sound good to you?" I joke.

"I'm glad Levi's here. I feel safer." She says quietly.

"Me too. He's been a real big support through all this." I agree.

"I'm so sorry about causing problems between you guys earlier today. I shouldn't have gone through your stuff." Sophie looks up at me.

"Awww no it's okay Soph, you didn't know." I reassure her.

"Did he say he doesn't want to be your boyfriend?" Sophie asks. I can tell she's searching for a distraction from the horror of this night.

"Pretty much." I nod.

"I'm sorry Aunt Ali...you should ask him to the Founder's ball next month. He'll see you all dressed up and he'll regret not asking you out." Sophie giggles. It feels good to finally see a smile on her face.

"The Founder's Ball is still a thing?" I blink, unimpressed.

"Yes and we have to go. It's town tradition. Katie goes, I've seen her every year." Sophie points out.

"Is it still a fashion competition?" I sigh and ask regretfully.

"Of course. Mom always made my dress." Sophie says as I notice the sun has started to rise.

"Of course she did. We will be buying yours and I guess I'll be wearing one of Farrah's old ones." I chuckle.

"So we are going?!" She sits up.

"I guess." I roll my eyes but I'm smiling.

"Oh thank you Aunt Ali! It'll be so fun!" She squeaks, clapping.

"Will you two shut up?! Some of us have to work today." Katie bursts in the room and huffs.

"We're going to the Founder's Ball." Sophie sits up to face Katie.

"Yes yes, we go every year and watch Nami Yakamora drink herself into a coma and Leslie Marks fills her clutch with shrimp. It's the same thing. Nothing exciting." Katie flops onto the foot of the bed.

"Wow. Same as it ever was." I chuckle and toss a pillow at Katie.