Chapter 6: The Whisper of the Woods
229 Words
Years passed, but the tale of Ethan Crowley became a cautionary ghost story for journalists and thrill-seekers alike. Black Hollow returned to its quiet existence, though a subtle tension lingered, as if the woods themselves were alive with secrets.
One summer evening, a group of teenagers from a nearby city ventured into the woods on a dare. Armed with flashlights and smartphones, they laughed nervously as they approached the infamous oak tree.
“Do you think it’s real?” one of them, Mia, whispered.
“Of course not,” her friend Jake scoffed, though his voice wavered. “It’s just a story to scare people.”
The group found the ring of stones, now partially covered with moss and leaves. As the moonlight filtered through the canopy, the clearing felt unnaturally still.
“Let’s call him,” another teen suggested, his bravado masking his fear.
They stood in the center of the circle and chanted the words Ethan had whispered years ago: “I summon you.”
At first, there was silence. Then, the air grew icy, and the woods seemed to hold its breath. A low growl reverberated through the clearing, and a shadow began to take shape.
The teenagers screamed and ran, leaving behind their phones and flashlights. But as they stumbled through the forest, the growl followed them, and a sinister laughter echoed in their ears.
- Writer
