Breath of Night

Elodie Looking around, it’s hard to see under the moon's light. I don’t remember coming to the forest. The beautiful fresh air makes me smile. I know I might be scared or confused, but I love the forest, even just because nature itself has always been beautiful to me. I slowly take in my surroundings with the rays from the moon. Although it isn’t very bright, I can make out the trees and bushes near me. I noticed this place looked familiar. Maybe I’ve walked home this way before? No. There’s no forest this dense on my way home, so why does this place seem like I’ve been here before... My dreams! I’ve been dreaming about this place for a few nights now. Always at night, the full moon showered the trees with pretty white lights. What is this place? Why am I dreaming of a place I’ve never been? I hear a branch snap in the distance. Fear pricks the back of my neck. I don’t want to be here... I turned towards the sound, my heartbeat hammering in my ears. I want to go home... I turn tail and run as fast as my legs can go. I don’t have too much trouble running. I am at least a bit proud of that, having been on the track team all of high school. I run with ease. The rustling is gone but I feel an ominous pressure almost touching my back. It’s causing me to panic, running harder than before. I feel like I can’t escape it. My curiosity is dull compared to my flight or fight mode. I don’t want to die and my instincts are coursing through my body telling me if I stop I’ll die. A dim light shines ahead, not bright or glimmering like the moon but almost as if someone is holding a flashlight. I’m safe! If I can reach there. Just a bit more abs I’ll be free! I implore my legs to endure more suffering a little longer. The forest is vast as the wind licks through my hair and caresses my face, the canopy above is slightly disappearing as I reach the dim light. Closer and closer... I’m almost there. As soon as the light is within reach, my world goes blank. Nothing but pain. Searing pain down my neck, my back, my legs. I don’t know what to do. I want to cry, scream, shout, and yet I can’t do anything. My mind is full of darkness with no way out! Help! I’m shouting but my ears do not hear my voice. Someone please! Help! The pain gets worse as I twist and turn until I feel soft whispery hands on my face. Gentle and soothing. “Calm down, my child. You are not in danger.” I can’t see but the voice is soft and I don’t feel anything but genuine care. “I am here for you.” After she spoke those words it was like a spell broken. I woke up drenched in sweat, my body aching as if my dream was real and I was running for my life. I turned to look at my surroundings, only to find a white room with a clock in front. 3:00 A.M. Azariyah I was in pain, my breath ragged. Why does this happen? I don't remember anything from when I found that stupid scorpion, but I don't have time to layabout. Opening my eyes was taking more force than I care to admit but I shot up when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. My eyes met the person next to me, a woman. Her eyes are a dull gray, just blankly staring at me unstartled. Taking in her features, I can't help but notice she is beautiful. I looked down to where she was still touching my arm. It was wrapped around the scorpion. Although it wasn't moving like when I found it, it gently glowed a bright green light. “I have been waiting for you.” The soft voice barely registered in my mind, so low I thought I had made it up if not for her mouth continuing to move. “It is time.” I continued to stare at this beautiful, mysterious woman. What was she even doing in my room? “How did you get in here?” Scanning my windows and my bedroom door, I saw they were shut. “I didn't come through the window.” She laughed and the sound was heavenly. Who was this woman? “No more questions, we are on a tight schedule.” My mouth dropped regarding her reading my mind. She began to smile, a smile that was cruel on her face but with eyes that only showed genuine intention. I don't know how, but I knew she wasn't going to hurt me. "Furi.” I didn't see her mouth move but I heard her voice in my mind. My expression must have confused her because then she spoke aloud. Her voice came out demanding and maybe a bit annoyed? “Furi come.” The world as I knew it went dark for the second time that day.