Willowwood Forest

Chapter 3

A dozen of them spilled from the orb, wiggling on the ground around me. I took a moment to study each one carefully as they began to swarm, their glowing yellow eyes fixed on me. Then I glanced at the violet-eyed one—it was different, and that made me wonder what had set it apart. It slithered up from my arm to my neck and coiled itself there playfully, its bright eyes catching the sunlight.

I stood up. By now, it must be time for lunch. Lunch here was a bit of a luxury. It wasn't like communal dinner at all, where you're stuck at a table with dozens of people and forced to make conversation. No, lunch was a laid-back affair: three hours, a buffet, and the freedom to show up whenever you wanted. And the best part? No need to talk to anyone.

I assumed the snakes would stay by the willows, but they trailed behind me instead—well, all but the violet-eyed one, which stayed coiled comfortably around my neck. I could feel its curious gaze on me as I looked down at it and muttered, "Guess we're having lunch together, then." It flicked its tongue at me in response.

"Alright then..." I sighed as we made our way down the trail toward the dining hall.

Lunch was simple, as usual. It wasn't as busy as dinner, and people kept to themselves. The dining hall lights were dimmer now, a stark contrast to the harsh ones that beat down later in the day. I grabbed my food, found a spot where no one would bother me, and ate. The bland, lukewarm noodle soup filled my mouth. Not that I minded. As I've said before, lunch is the best meal time—no small talk, no forced conversations. Just a few minutes of peace before getting back to whatever I had to do next.

The snakes, except for the violet one, stayed near the willows. I wasn't surprised. They weren't interested in sticking around me unless they had a reason. Which, I assumed, led them to follow Asher around earlier. The violet-eyed one, though, stayed close—too close. It stuck with me, coiling around my neck like it had every right to be there.

When I finished my soup, I stood up, pushed my plate aside, and stretched. The snake lifted its head with me, almost like it was waiting for something.

I cleaned up quickly and headed outside, the chill air a welcome change from the warmth inside. I decided to head to a different part of the woods. The willows were already taken care of, no reason to go back. I glanced at the rest of the snakes one last time. Looking down at the one on my neck, I asked, "Don't you want to go with them?"

It locked eyes with me and flicked its tongue, brushing my skin. I tried to grab it, expecting it to slither away, but instead, it wrapped tighter around my arm, stubbornly refusing to go anywhere.

"Great," I muttered. "You really don't want to go?"

The snake nuzzled up against my neck. I took that as a no and grumbled as I walked out of the dining hall clearing.

The path to the woods usually had some noise, but today was different. The usual sounds—the birds, the rustling leaves—weren't there. It was just... quiet.

I shook it off. Probably nothing. But then again, maybe it wasn't. I wasn't about to investigate it though. That's someone else's job.

I glanced back, but there was no sign of any other kids. Not that it mattered. Willowwood is a massive forest. Some of the smarter kids tried to map it all out once, but they stopped when they ran out of paper.

Silence followed me down the trail, the snake watching the trees around us. Still wrapped around my neck. It felt strange, but I couldn't figure out why. Maybe it was just getting used to me. The other snakes always seemed fine on their own, though. Guess this one really is a defect.

The trail began to darken a bit as the trees loomed over. This wooded area was one of my frequent places in the forest. If you go deep enough into this part of woods it is almost pitch black, at least it is for most people. Shadows lurk frequently here, not to mention this is where my vision is the most enhanced.

As we walked, I made sure to check my surroundings. Just because I enjoy the silence in this area doesn't mean it's exactly normal.

Branches knit together above me, blocking out most of the daylight. Shadows crept across the path, stretching long and strange, but familiar. This part of the forest was like a second home—a place I knew better than any house or dining hall.

The silence was almost too thick, too loud, like something was pressing down on it. After each step I took, it sounded louder, like someone was stepping with me. I kept my pace even, but every now and then, I'd glance sideways, pretending to take in the scenery while my gaze flicked over the trees behind me. Nothing. No one else here except me and the snake

Speaking of the snake, it stayed still, its head tilted, eyes alert and focused on something I couldn't see. Wonderful. Now we were both on edge.

Ahead, a thick patch of undergrowth opened up, a little shortcut off the main path I'd used a hundred times. The perfect place to shake someone off, if there really was someone back there. Quietly, I slipped into the narrow, hidden trail, ducking under a few low branches.

But just as I rounded a bend, I heard it—a nearly soundless step, then another. Whoever it was had followed me off the main path. God dammit, who was this? I stilled, finding a shadow under a big oak tree and tapped it, letting myself hide in the black smoke like substance. The bark felt cool against my back. I held my breath, and scanned the area around me, trying to find my stalker. Can I call them that? Why not.

I stayed silent, trying to catch any subtle noise. Nothing.

The snake around my neck shifted, tightening its coil, as if preparing for something. I exhaled, slow and quiet, bracing myself. Suddenly, i heard someone say,

"What's...going on?"