The Edge of the Meadow

Chapter 4- The Wailing

The snapping of branches increased, getting closer and closer to the microphone. Finally, I could hear the creature's breathing right next to the microphone, heavy as if it had just run. I knew it was still far off, but definitely near the Meadow, and across from where we were crouching. I grabbed Will's hand and ran, crouching behind the rock the radio and bottle sat. The fish swam about, not noticing the fear around them. I peaked my head, still listening to the radio.

Then I heard it. A vertebral, inhuman sound. A horrible howl. I felt the hairs on my neck stand up, and a shiver went up my spine. It seemed in pain, but at the same time, like it was asserting something. Like it was showing dominance. What was that?

Then I saw it.

A huge, black mass, moving around behind the trees. I knew it wasn't my eyes playing tricks on me because Will was also staring at it, mouth open in a silent scream. His face was full of alarm, and I could only guess how I looked. As we watched, the beast emerged from the shadows. As far as I could tell, it was a tall man, but entirely black, like a shadow. I could feel it's gaze as it looked around. All of a sudden, it went on all fours. I noticed it's long, black tail. Definitely not a man.

It opened its mouth. Now that I saw the shape of it, I realized it was a snout. It's long, pink tongue stood out among the darkness, and it's razor-sharp teeth glinted like steel in the moonlight. I noticed it's long claws stood out, too, silver and sharp as a knife. It screamed again, this time more like a roar. I realized it wasn't the beast hooting, it was the animals.

Will yelped and I ducked, pulling him down. Somehow, I could feel it's gaze piercing through me. I wanted to run, I wanted to scream, but I didn't move. I heald my breath as the feeling passed. Cautiously, I peeked through the fish bottle. The fish were still swimming about, oblivious to the horrible creature less a mile away. Through the glass, I saw the piercing, yellow eyes scanned the village. They landed on me, and I froze. I was spotted. It bared its teeth, then began pacing the edge of the Meadow again, snapping its teeth. I could only hear its teeth as it paced, however, as if it had suddenly decided to be more careful. After a few endless minutes, it bounded back into the forest, melting into the shadows. I sat there, speechless. Snapping out of it, I grabbed the radio and jar, motioning for Will to come with me, and we dashed home.

I slammed the door closed, shaking. William panted right next to me, shaking as much as I was. I could barely hear the sound of the Trader showering through the sound of my heart pounding in my ears. Will took a deep breath and looked at me for a second. He turned around. He dragged a mattress to my room without a word, and I didn't protest. I would be even more terrified if I was alone, and so would he. We locked the doors and left a note to the Trader, explaining the night's events. We left the house Key next to it in case he wanted to leave.

While I was in bed, unable to sleep, I thought about what had just happened. After some thinking, I understood the animal's change in demeanor. Why it had been so loud around the animals but silent around us. It didn't care about if the animals saw it because it wasn't hunting them. It was hunting us.

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Sorry for the bad chapter! Its a bit short because I wanted it to end on a cliffhanger. I want more content for yall, but I gotta write my other books, and the quality of these rushed chapters isn't the best. I'm really excited and grateful for this book's views! Not only that, my first comment! :D

This was actually a nightmare I had, believe it or not, but I changed it to make more sense and have an actual plot. In the actual dream, we were at my uncle's ranch and it was a dog made of bones they spotted, and it just ate people, because there was no Meadow in my dream. Also, lego policemen gave us the radio! XD

I am checking out everyone who votes/comments on my book, bc yall deserve it! Every view, vote, and (now!) comment encourages me to keep doing what I love: Writing and Reading (bc like cmon yalls books rock)

Your the BEST! <3                                                                                                                   \(oo)/