The Shadow Man

Chapter 1 - Shadows

Legend has it, 15 years ago on a cold winters night, a man, dressed in black, came to visit a quiet little village on the outskirts of marrtown. Nobody ever sees him and he only makes an appearance every 5 years. They call him, 'The Shadow Man'

Their village is a secluded place, surrounded by miles of dense forest and shrubbery, the only access in and out is a small side road, wide enough for a small truck or van, that runs through the forest to the town.

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***Lacey's POV***

I felt the gravel underfoot mix with the soil and fallen leafs from the autumn breeze as I made my way through the forest. Picking up my pace I felt a shiver of dread run down my spine as the trees groaned and shook around me, I could hear the mumbles, shouts and screams of anguish as the wind wiped from tree to tree, shaking any loose leafs free.

Feeling the dread creep up behind me i stiffened then panicked. Flinging and breaking branches I fled through the forest, I could feel the blood trickling down my pale skin from the cuts and scrapes that were forming on my bare arms and face.

Breathing hard and fast I pushed my way through the thick forest oblivious to my surrounding. Time seemed to slow as I noticed the tree root sticking out of the ground but it was too late, my foot got lodged sending me crashing to the ground in a heap.

Disorientated I checked myself for injuries while scanning the surrounding forest, it's still light out so I can see pretty well. Remembering the story's my grandmother used to tell me I scrambled to my feet not caring about my ankle, breathing hard I tried to listen to the sound around me.

Birds chirped and twigs snapped as the forest animals scattered, the trees still groaned and shook from the wind but the leafs had stopped there frequent downfall. Slowing my breathing I closed my eyes and listened harder, there, I heard it, the screams and cries for help. 

Becoming hyper-vigilant I ran not caring if I was going in the right direction or not.

As I neared the edge of the forest the sounds got louder almost demanding me to stay, I knew better, I knew staying in the forest would only bring trouble I'd probably just end up dead and I don't want to die, they tell stories of the man in the shadows, who takes young women to torture or kill. Quickening my pace I could feel the frustration rolling through the forest as I got closer to the edge.

Exiting the forest I smiled to herself, 'that was close, way too close' I mumbled placing my hands on my knees to catch my breath.

Standing up straight I could still feel the dread clinging to me, I wrapped my arms around my waist to shield myself as the cold night air nipped at my bare skin as I made my way home, i past all the closed store and the now dark house's, I still felt like someone was there watching my every step, but not in the 'get home safe' kinda way more like 'i'm coming for you' the hairs on the back of my neck rose to stand on end.

I checked the time as I opened the front door 11:30pm. Walking through the living room I looked to see if anybody's home yet, "must still be working" I thought out loud making my way toward the bathroom. Stepping inside I stripped off my work clothes and examined the cuts and bruises that had formed on my body. Climbing into the shower I watched as the dirt mixed with my blood as it ran down the drain.

I felt the adrenalin drain from my body as I thought about the events of the night "shit" I hissed as i felt the throbbing start in my ankle. "crap, crap, crap" I cursed again taking a glance at the bright red swelling on my ankle. I grabbed a towel from the rack to wrap around myself then hobbled to the kitchen, opening the freezer door I grabbed an ice pack for the swelling and went up to bed.

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***Narration***

Nobody believed the story's about 'The Shadow Man'. About the man that lurks in the shadows of the forest waiting for his next victim. He only ever makes himself know for 1 week every 5years, some people think that he's a mythical being waiting for his next sacrifice or meal, but others think he kills every 5 years because of the statute of limitations which means he can only be charged for the more recent crime, but Lacey thought they were just story's to keep her out of the forest but with her job being in the next town over thats looking to be quite difficult.

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***Lacey's POV***

Tossing and turning, I kept reliving the fear and torment of that night. Rolling then waking up covered in sweat then falling back to sleep every couple of hours.

The clock blinked 3:45 am as I shot up from sleep with a scream lodged in my throat, I flicked the lamp on making the darkness scurry back to the corner shadows.

Half shuffling half limping to the kitchen I grabbed a glass of water and gaze out the window. Placing the now empty glass on the counter top I watched as the shadows danced and swayed to the rhythm of the wind outside before making my way back upstairs to try and get some well-needed sleep. Lucky for me I had the day off work to catch up on some work for my online courses.

I blinked the sleep out of my eye as I checked the time 11:45 am, I groaned as I slid from my sheets, I made my way downstairs to grab some food then made my way back upstairs to do some course work.

6 hours of non-stop typing makes you want to just curl up and sleep but I've still got so much to do before I go back to work, 'ahh' I sigh placing my head on the desk grumbling to myself.

KNOCK, KNOCK

"Come in," I said lifting my head to see my mum at the door, "teas done if you're hungry", "Ok, thank's mum, I'll be down in a minuet". I saved all my work then shut down my laptop before heading downstairs for my tea. My ankle still hurts but the swelling is going down and I can walk a bit easier.

"Lacey, are you dressed yet" groaning I turn to see the clock flashing 9:30 am "shit, shit, shit" I cursed scrambling out of bed "I'm going to be so late".

Rushing down the stairs I made my way through the kitchen, "Lacey, you never told me why you were limping" shrugging my shoulders in the direction of my mum I said, "tripped on a tree root walking home from work", moving towards the door I heard her shout "be careful out there, hun".

Sighing I made my way out the front door and down the street towards the forest. The swelling on my ankle has gone down to the point it looks almost normal, it's still sore but it's manageable woth a few pain killers.

I made my way though the forest being extra vigilant, I listened to every noise but nothing sounded like it did that day, but something was still off I just knew it, the hair's on the back of my neck were a big indicator of that.

Making my way through the diner to my locker I saw my boss eyeing me from her office in the back, 'grate' I thought, making my way towards her "Lacey, I'm putting you on the coffee duty today, and you're an hour late you know, if it happwns again I'll have to Wright you up" she said disappointed as she walked out of her office.

Grind, Pull, Pour

That's all I did all day,

Grind, Pull, Pour

Grind, Pull, Pour

Grind, Pull, pour

By the time I was done my arms refused to do anything else, working from 11 am til 8 pm on the coffee machine was tiring and boring.

Heading home I came across a car parked outside my house, walking past I noticed what looked to be a police radio and portable sirens in the front seat.

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Ohh, snap.

I hope you enjoy this chap wattsappers I know its boring but the good bits are coming soon I promise

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