That Dark Forest

Chapter 1

The acrid smell of burnt wood hung in the air, making her eyes water as she stumbled along the deserted sidewalk.

She did not bother covering her nose or wiping off the uneasy tears. The smell did not push her away, it drew her in.

She clenched tightly at the pocket knife in her pocket. Holding on to it felt powerful but deep down she knew she wouldn't be able to use it if the situation would ever require so.

The smell wasn't new to her. She had felt it even in her dreams, not knowing what to make of it. The sidewalk was familiar- from all those dreams. She kept walking, knowing that the path would lead her to the dark forest where the smell will be stronger than ever.

The chill of the night was settling in and all the goosebumps that she felt were blamed on the cold and not the fear that grew with every step forward.

Of course she cursed her decision of wearing shorts that night.

Owls could be heard hooting at a distance. At that moment, she wished for the owls' company- that felt safer than walking alone into that dark forest.

As much as she wanted to, she couldn't will herself to return home. She just couldn't decline the silent calling from the forest. As if someone had her hypnotised.

With no idea what to expect, she wished not to see any dead bodies or blood. That'd simply make her pass out from the tension.

Without intending to, she stopped right in front of an apple tree. As the winds blew strongly, dozens of apples fell below and she jumped back to save her head.

On jumping back, her back brushed with someone...human.
Her bare legs touched someone's jeans. She could feel warm breathing down her neck. It felt comfortable in that cold weather but then absolutely scary at the same time.

The problem was her dreams always ended at this moment- with her bumping into someone behind. She did not know what to expect further. Should she run or face the person behind?

The strangest part was that the burnt wood smell was no longer there. It was replaced by the fresh rainwater smell.

She turned around to face the human.
It was her boyfriend who looked at her with confused eyes.

They were both surprised, perhaps for different reasons. He was the first one to speak, "What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" She heard herself ask.

"I come here when I need some peace." His reply was so sharp, as if he had it rehearsed.

Strangely, he was wearing two jackets. She noticed it but was too nervous to ask about it. There was something very off about him at that moment.

He smelled of.. blood. And burnt wood.

She closed her eyes and breathed in slowly to calm herself. Gathered guts and asked, "What is that smell?"

He smiled in response.

A wide teeth smile.

His teeth looked unusually sharp. A thick, dark liquid seemed to flow out from the inside of his lips.

She dared not contemplate the possibilities of him being a....vampire.
....