The Girl in the Red Hood

Chapter IV

Screaming. That's all I hear. I search for the owner of the voice without luck. That's when it hits me. It's me. I'm the one screaming. How can this be true? Why am I screaming? Then I see the wolf. Lupan. He is on me, whispering in my ear. I'm coming for you. I will find you again and this time you will not escape.

I sat up like I was struck by lightning. I was gasping for air. I finally controlled my breathing and reminded myself that it was the same. It will always be the same until the Lupan is gone. I will never be safe from these haunting words. But this time it was different. Lupan seemed so close. I blindly search my bedside table for my weapon: a silver dagger with a ruby and sapphire encrusted hilt. I feel safer already. I sheath it and hang it on the belt of my white dress. I pull my red hood far over my eyes and pull on the cape part, so it conceals my weapon. Then I walk through the walls back into the outside world, where a white wolf appears in my path.

"Lupan," I say. The wolf tilts its head. My dagger is out now, just in case. The wolf turns and leaves. I watch it trot into the forest. Then, all of a sudden, I hear a snap and I turn, just moments too late. I'm too late to use my dagger, and I'm honestly too afraid to. This is Lupan. The Lupan that has been haunting me for years. And he is on top of me. He is putting all of his weight on me and baring his teeth. I told you I was coming. It doesn't matter any more though. You're already dead. He jerks his head and I feel his teeth sinking into my throat. He was right. I am as good as dead.