Dark Trail

Ember's heart pounded in her chest, her own blood staining her fingertips. The moon shone bright above the treetops that stood like towers around her. The mid autumn air chilled her to the bone. She had forgotten her leather jacket back at camp and was paying the price for it now. Thoughts filled her mind as she looked at the blood that seemed to be painted onto her hands. The creatures in this forest were not natural. In fact, far from it. About a week ago, Ember and her friends had been hanging out and planning an adventure for the weekend. They had heard silly stories about magical portals that creatures emerge from and either kill their victims or turn them mad. Of course, Ember and her friends thought that the stories were just a bunch of bogus. So, six college kids and a German shepherd decided that it would be a good idea to go into these woods for a weekend and prod at these silly creatures One of these kids, however, didn't really appreciate the idea that Ember and her friends were planning to carry out. Ember's twin sister, Eira, was a firm believer in the supernatural. She insisted on bringing a variety of rocks, iron, sulfur, salt, sage, and a handful of other strange items that Ember didn't even begin to wonder what they did or what they were for. Ember and Eira were in charge of researching the woods, mapping it out, and finding a spot to stay. Jarvis, a tall dark skinned boy with light brown eyes, was in charge of packing the food. Alena, a slender girl with long black hair, olive skin, and green eyes, was in charge of making sure that people packed everything correctly- as she was a perfectionist. Oliver, a sweet boy with longer golden hair, was put in charge of bringing the tent. Salem, a boy with black hair and solemn blue eyes, was just along for the ride. When Ember was certain that she was in no immediate danger, she searched her surrounding area for a tree to climb and hide out. When she found a decent one, she used her skills as a former gymnast to scale the branches with ease. As the pounding sound of her own heartbeat subsided, Ember decided to replay the recent events in her mind to get her mind off of her trembling hands.