The Debt Collector

Prolouge

The air swirled with a sweetness, the fresh blooms of spring littering the ground as I flip through the pages of the dusty, old novel. I've lost track of time- typical of me when reading a good story- and when crickets begin to chirp in the distance I look up at the pink sky, only to see the sun beginning it's descent.

I'm quick to push myself off the earths floor, clutching the book tightly to my chest as I slip my bare feet into the worn out leather shoes I discarded by the edge of the lake. A cool gust of wind blows my fiery hair behind my shoulders, a chill running down my spin as goosebumps coat my skin but when my eyes dart around the perimeter of the meadow, I release a sigh of relief; I'm alone.

My feet are light on the narrow dirt path that weaves through the thick forest and I focus on slowing my heartbeat, the sun slowly sinking lower in the evening sky. My eyes continue to scan my surroundings as I desperately try to fight against time and make my way home without getting noticed.

The sun dips behind the trees, the night creeping amongst me as I clutch onto the book as if it will provide me some sort of comfort. It's typical of me to spend hours by the lake but never have I been this irresponsible with managing time, never have I had to race the sun to safety.

A twig snaps and a gasp leaves my lips, my head whipping behind me only to be met with a nightwalker standing in the middle of the trail, fresh blood dripping from its chin. The warmth drains from my face as I remains frozen in place, fear sweeping me up and shaking my bones. When my book collides with the ground, I find myself running as fast as I can in the direction of my home though, really, no human can ever outrun a nightwalker.

But I run, just like many do when faced with death and when my back is slammed against a tree, a cry of pain slips past my lips as I'm faced with the nightwalker. My eyes are pinned shut as I hold my breath, my body trembling as a sharp pain strikes my cheek.

"C'mon pretty lady. Open your eyes." His breath fans across my face as he pins my shoulders to the tree, making it unable to move. A whimper leaves me as hot tears stream down my face, turning my head only to have him take my chin between his fingers, "I want to see the life being sucked out of you."

The nightwalker yanks my head to the side, exposing my neck and when he releases an ugly hiss, his bloody fangs are on full display. A shrill scream echoes through the dark forest as I wait for his fangs to plunge into my neck however with a gust of wind wiping my hair in every which direction, he's vanished.

I release a shaky breath as tears continue to tumble down my cheeks, my hand rattling when I reach up to wipe them away. Stepping away from the tree, my eyes dart around the dark forest only to latch onto a pair of golden orbs staring back at me. My breath hitches in my throat, my heart beating through my chest as I stumble backwards, my eyes wide with fear. Turning in the direction of my fathers cottage, I use all the strength I have to run all the way to safety, away from the creatures that lurk in the night.