Fated By The Blood Moon

Chapter 3: The Stranger In The Woods

Rita moved away from Mia's diner window, her chest heaving as she stared out at the shadowlings' writhing, shadowy forms.

Their guttural, hissing growls sent shivers down her spine as they attacked the diner for what seemed like hours, although it didn't last long at all.

Oliver squared his massive shoulders and stood between her and the beasts, his gaze flaming with an unimaginable intensity.

Mia stood next to him, a little golden light glimmering in her hands. She ordered, glancing at Rita, "Stay close to me," her voice firm in spite of the confusion.

Rita gripped the heavy chair leg she had taken up earlier and nodded. In an attempt to break the glass and divert the creatures, she swung frantically at the window.

With a series of incisive, authoritative gestures, Oliver was able to force the shadowlings back as he rushed forward, his movements quick and accurate.

After hesitating and staring at Oliver with their blazing eyes, the shadowlings eventually fled into the darkness.

With the exception of Rita's labored breathing, the diner became quiet again. With a wave of relief, she breathed out shakily.

Oliver rose erect, his chest heaving with effort, and Mia shared a gaze.

Rita asked bewildered, “Is this the norm around here? Is this how you people live? With these….. creatures?"

Like I mentioned before, they're shadowlings," Mia remarked with caution. "They don't usually come this close to town."

Rita squinted her eyes. "Usually?" she asked again, raising a brow.

Oliver took a step forward, his piercing eyes meeting hers. "You shouldn't have been out here alone, you shouldn't have come at all. He said, hesitated a bit, then added, "It's not safe."

Rita became agitated. "I didn't exactly asked to be attacked, did I?" She looked across at Mia. "What's happening in this community? Even though I've only been here for a few hours, these monsters have already assaulted me."

Mia touched Rita's arm in a soothing manner. "We'll explain everything," she assured her. "But for now, let's just focus on getting you safe."

Rita nodded, questions buzzing through her head. She could smell a story, as an investigative journalist.

She was committed to investigating the weird happenings in this town.

The Silver Hollow Inn was a charming, rustic structure with groaning wooden flooring and a subtle lavender scent.

Oliver stayed far away, his mood gloomy, but Mia had insisted on helping Amara find accommodation for the night.

As Rita received the key from Mia, she remarked, "Thank you for this." Mia smiled warmly and answered, "It's the least we can do. You'll find your place here, but Silver Hollow isn't always….welcoming to outsiders."

Rita's eyebrow went up. "Outsiders? You give the impression that I'm bothering you.”

Mia paused for a little while, her smile wavering. "Not at all. Just….watch out, will you? There are peculiarities in this town.”

Mia said and walked away slowly, her evasive remarks lingering in the air as Rita frowns slightly, watching her as she went.

**********************************

The following morning, the chirping sounds of birds on her windows roused Rita from sleep.

Even though the events of the previous night felt like a fever dream, the agony in her muscles and the faint bruises on her arms were sufficient proof that they had been real.

Mia met her at the inn for a quick breakfast and promised to help her locate a more permanent place to stay.

They chose a comfortable cabin encircled by thick forest on the outskirts of town. It was remote but quaint, and Rita was captivated by its understated elegance.

She was unpacked and prepared to explore by noon.

With its tall trees and meandering paths, the forest beyond her cottage beckoned, offering her adventure or at the very least a reprieve from the bizarre happenings of the previous day.

The air seemed to alter more the farther she went. The sun's warmth was replaced by a chilly, nearly electric chill. She came upon a clearing, with faint indications of scorch on the earth in the middle.

A deep claw mark with sharp, new edges was visible on a nearby tree. Rita knelt and rubbed her fingertips across the charred ground.

The clearing seemed to have its own vitality, and the air seemed electric. She froze when she heard a sudden stir in the bushes.

Even though her heart was thumping quickly, she shouted out, "Hello?" in a steady voice.

No answer.

Oliver, whose wolf shape blended in perfectly with the woodland, watched from the shadows without her knowledge.

Unable to resist the allure of her presence, he had followed her. Her every action was intriguing, and her perfume was irresistible.

However, he couldn't get rid of the persistent feeling of danger that followed her. He thought, "She doesn't belong here," but the statement sounded vacuous.

Rita brushed off her hands and stood up. The clearing seemed too vulnerable, too open.

The sense of being watched intensified, and she turned and walked back, her pace increasing.

Rita was back in her cabin, sitting by the window and gazing into the night. On the table was a pendant she had discovered earlier that day, with its elaborate and eerie clawed pattern.

The silence was broken by a deep growl. Her breath caught in her throat as she froze. She walked slowly out onto the porch and grabbed the flashlight from the table.

Only the flowing grass was illuminated as the light beam moved across the yard.

Then she noticed them—silver eyes gleaming from the forest's edge, staring at her.

As she moved closer, her heart pounded, but the eyes vanished into the shadows before she could yell.

Rita paused for a time, holding the icy jewelry. Whoever had left it intended her to find it, or whatever it was.