Hidden

Prologue

P R O L O G U E

I gently brushed my palm on the smooth wooded wall, trailing my finger on the frame of a glass-less window. The sight outside was absolutely breath-taking. The full moon seemed double its usual size as it's brightness lit the dark trees. It seemed like the forest-covered a large mass of land on the horizon. Something caught my eyes, just further left to the base of the treehouse. A brightly lit flame that engulfed solid feet of trees. The dark heavy smoke lifted up in the air like a mist.

Holy shit

I didn't think for even a second as I ran down the few steps of the treehouse, to reach the ladder that will help me down to the ground. There seemed to be a fire happening out there and people could possibly be in danger. Chances are that firefighters will be on their way and my chances of finally going home. The thought of it made tears brim in my eyes. I really have hope of going home.

It isn't that I felt like I was imprisoned here, more so trapped. These girls did find me out there alone and did help me slowly get back up on my feet. But it doesn't explain why they dress like they're Tarzan's lost relatives or their fear of stepping outside with the risk of bumping into some homicidal maniac.

I twisted the oak knob and pushed open to invite a breeze that cooled my face. I wasted no time descending the ladder, ignoring the way it scratches my heels. When I felt the earth meet my feet with a soft muuush, I sighed contemptibly. My eyes looked back up at the massive treehouse. Whoever was out there, whether it was a sheriff or firefighter department I would let them know about these poor girls and how they lived in the middle of nowhere for that long without anyone knowing.

I felt bad for them. Staying in the woods for that long really toyed with their mental health. I am no psychologist but their infatuation and fear of some imaginary prince became their lifeline. With a new profound sense of hope, I ran into the trees with no intention of looking back. I needed to get help for myself and them. So I sprinted towards the direction of the fire like my life depended on it.

"Under any circumstance, do you ever set foot outside Victoria!"

I pushed her absurd warning to the back of my mind. She really did lose the plot. Feeling my lungs and feet pump to a beating rhythm. I pushed myself further as my dark hair blew behind me like flowing silk. I was definitely no star-track athlete but when it comes to food or my life, I can run for godforsaken miles. Hearing the howls hoot above me and the darkness consumes me, I wished I was back home in Virginia. Lying up in bed and my favourite tv show quietly playing in the background.

It felt like hours of running but I came to a slow standstill when the smell of burnt rubber and ash hit me. I leaned heavily on a nearby tree trunk, now feeling the heavy sweat on my forehead. Whoever saw me emerge from the woods right now would've probably thought I lived with rabid animals since I was two. I grinned at the thought and wiped the sweat clean off with the back of my hand. The sound of loud cackling caught my attention and I squinted my eyes at the scene ahead of me. I few trees obscured my view but I can clearly see an outline of building and cars on fire.

What in the hell?

I rushed forward and pushed some of the trees out the way until I got a better view of the carnage in front of me. A lump of object lay nearby that caught my attention. I squinted hard at what it may be. The flame blew a brightly lit fuse and it was then I could see what that object really was.....a body. I let out an ear-piercing scream but quickly clambered my mouth shut. The person that could have done this could well right still be around.