Astray in the Dark

Chapter 3

Alicia's POV - (Mature themes!)

Darkness; the thing I hate most. Shadows which can mask a presence in an ominous black mist, making it so you can be watched without knowing what's there. I hate it.

I've found myself surrounded in a cold pool of nothingness; drifting with all my senses numbed to extinction. I have no clue as to how long I've been here.. it's as if my sense of time has been distorted in this invariable abyss.

"Hey! I think she's coming to!"

Distant voices echoed throughout this shallow space, breaking the unruly silence that was nearly impossible to grow accustomed to. Above me, a hole of light began to broadly open without warning. It was blinding, overwhelming even. It travelled fast, quickly engulfing my entire self whilst a cold sensation brushed over my skin.

Isn't light supposed to be warm..?

"Hey? Ali?! Wake up you silly goose!!!" A feminine voice cried out desperately. Charlie..?

Slowly regaining consciousness, my heavy eyelids opened up to no more than a squint. A blinding light was being dazzled into my eyes, causing black smudges to cloud my vision.

"Ugh..." I groaned, my head throbbing.

"Nurse! She's waking up!!" I heard her bellow from amongst the commotion. It was as if I were under water, everything seemed a bit fuzzy..

The light quickly dimmed to being somewhat bearable, and I saw the blurred outline of my most precious person. "Charles..?" I whispered out.

"Yes yes, it's me! How're you feeling?" She responded, gripping my hand loosely.

"Like I was just hit by a bus..." I sounded out as Charlie's worried face became ever more defined, the redness of her sore eyes coming into view. "Where are we..?"

"The hospital.." She responded in a soft tone and a sniffle. "Apparently you got attacked by a stalker..."

"A stalker..?" I questioned, my memory hazy.

"Yeah... I got an anonymous phone call to come to the hospital, and some guy told me that you got attacked. When I got here you were just laying outside unconscious, and I..." The upsetting sound of her subtle sobs quickly reached my ears, and her voice began to shake uncontrollably. "I-I'm so sorry... I should've walked you home!!"

"It's okay... don't cry..." I whispered out, trying to soothe her. Our fingers interlocked as her fresh tears fell onto my skin, and she continued to cry to herself quietly. "This isn't your fault Charles.."

"I hate to disturb you, but.." A man in a white lab coat spoke up. He must be the doctor. "What can you remember?"

"Umm.." I sounded out, my brain starting to ache whilst trying to recall. "I think.. I was walking towards my apartment..?" I questioned, my head pulsating. "Then.. some guy appeared... and, when he tried to touch me, a wol-..."

I paused.

A wolf appeared..?

"It's okay, don't force yourself to relive the encounter. I won't question you anymore today.. and don't worry, you're safe here. I've also called your father, and-"