Truth or Dare... and Die

Chapter 1

The mist drifted sleepily down, overcasting the dreary midnight moon with an eerie veil. Shape shifting shadows fed my superstitions and amplified every sound echoing through the streets. Already shaken to the core, I approached my best friend's second level window, readying

the pebbles in my hand; tonight was the night. The looming forest on the horizon taunted me, calling my name with the haunting and distorted trees- the "Murder Woods", as they were jokingly referred to. Ten minutes, just ten minutes until we met the kids from the next block

over and began our journey into the nothingness; it all started out as a harmless dare, no one was supposed to get hurt...

"Cody... Cody?" I whispered, praying that his parents weren't woken by the clink of pebbles on his partially opened window. "come on, Cody... don't chicken out on me..." where is he? I told him to be ready at midnight, it's three past.- lost in my thoughts, i failed to notice a stealthy figure slip behind me.

I tensed as a chill raced down my spine, onset by the gravely "you called?"

resounding by my left ear. With a sigh of relief, the spurt of terror eased

as I recognized the presence of Cody Malhone; best friend, self-entitled spook,

and first rate musician.

"Goodness, Cody! Give me a heart attack why don't you? I curtly replied, "where were you

hiding?"

"Um, Niah... I was standing right behind the car. If you weren't so scared, you might

have noticed me."

'Oh, well..." I searched for a comeback but came back with only embarrassment. "Nevermind

then, let's go, we're already late as it is".

Cody and I walked side by side, both inwardly terrified of what awaited us beyond the safety

of the tall, metallic gates separating our development from the unknown. A black cat

seemed to be stalking us, which made my overactive imagination switch into hyperdrive.

As we approached the designated meeting place- the second dimmest streetlight on the block,

just across from the only empty house around- I noticed something odd; there were strange

lights sweeping the sky, as if giant flashlights were being frantically, yet methodically

waved back and forth. Dismissing it, we marched on. A few minutes later, and Cody

pointed out three silhouettes, huddled together against the oddly damp breeze. As we

drew closer, I could just make out the frightened faces of Clara Jonson, Dylan Waters,

and Charity Smitt; Our friends, looking to me for guidance, and I now fear that I've failed them.

I should've known better than to say those dreadful words... " Okay, it's time."