One: The attack

Delia’s POV

Life is fraught with possibilities. One day you’re high up there, living the perfect dream even though something tells you that everything isn’t quite right. The next you’re drowning, your dream turned to a nightmare as reality rips the ground from underneath you. I was a happy girl leading the perfect life with parents who doted on me, a boyfriend who loved me, loyal friends, a bright future. Until it all went away in just one night.

~~~~~~~~~

The first strange occurrence of the day that changed my life, happened in the morning. I kissed my parents goodbye before heading out the door, hurrying to meet up with my boyfriend Zack. He was leaving today, and I wanted to spend some time with him beforehand. Purse in hand, I hurried down the steps and started walking towards the intersection where he would pick me up when the sensation of being watched crept upon me.

I turned around and met an empty street and continued my walk, my unease rising steadily.

The hairs at the back of my neck prickled, the sensation intensifying and I doubled my pace on the sidewalk. I could hear footsteps behind me but I didn’t dare look back, wanting to get to Zack as soon as possible.

By the time I reached the intersection, I was flat-out running, my breath coming out in choppy puffs as I desperately tried to get away from whatever was stalking me.

A loud honk made me scream and I jumped, my soul nearly flying from my body at the suddenness of the sound.

“Delia? Hey!” Zack’s familiar voice finally penetrated through the fear in my mind and I blinked at him. He was practically leaning out of his car window, a worried expression on his face as he looked over at me.

“Is everything okay?” He asked, his voice full of concern. Pale and jittery, I scanned the street behind me puzzled when I saw nothing there.

“Delia?” Zack called again and I shook my head clear.

“I’m okay.” I assured then hurried over to the passenger seat and slid inside instead. “What was that about?”

“Oh… nothing. I think I got spooked by my own shadow just then. No worries.”

He gave me a look, as if he didn’t quite believe what I was saying and poked his head out the window to scan the street himself.

“Don’t worry about it silly. Let’s go. I already have so little time with you today. I don’t wanna waste any of it on my neurosis.” I slapped a teasing hand on his biceps and he smiled, the sight of it making my chest flutter.

“Alright. Fine. You don’t need to worry about anything when you’re with me though. I’ll protect you. I promise.” He said solemnly and I smiled back at him. It always amused me when he said that. We were both high school students. Even though he was a few months older than my seventeen years of age and came from a much richer family, it was really not his duty to protect me. Still, I liked that he cared enough to want to and I leaned over the brakes to kiss his cheek in appreciation. “Thank you, but that’s not necessary. Now, let’s get out of here.” I ordered and he laughed then put the car in motion. As we pulled away, my eyes drifted to the rearview mirror and froze as a dark, hooded figure stood reflected in its depths, watching me intently.

I reared forward, shock and fear gripping me tightly, but before I could so much as blink it was gone, leaving nothing in its wake to prove that it had actually been there.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Zack asked, casting me another worried glance. “I…” I trailed off, eyes trained on the mirror but no longer seeing anything. After a moment, I cleared my throat. “Yes. I’m fine.” I said, but I couldn’t help the shiver of fear that trailed down my spine.

It was several hours later before I could fully relax again. I kept glancing around to see if I could catch another glimpse of that creature. It had stood upright like a man with a pitch-black robe and hood on, but it seemed anything but human. Its face had been a dark void, hidden under the shadow cast by its hood. I had seen it for only a moment, but the image was burned so brightly in my mind that I could barely believe it wasn’t real. Since it didn’t show up again, I had to assume it wasn’t.

Not wanting to ruin the little time I had left with Zack, I pushed it to the back of my mind and luxuriated in his presence. He was beautiful, Zack Pearson, with golden hair and the bluest eyes I had ever had the pleasure of seeing and I found myself staring starrily into them all afternoon. With every second that passed, I got sadder about his imminent departure but he never got tired of trying to cheer me up. His parents were overseas and he was supposed to join his them for the weekend. He wasn’t gone yet but I already missed him desperately.

“I wish you didn’t have to go.” I pouted and he kissed my cheek “I know princess. It’s just for a few days. I’ll be back before you know it.” He assured me and I threw myself into his arms and clutched him tight as if I could prevent his leaving by that action alone. Towards the end of our date, he brought me to Sterling city carnival where I was supposed to meet Kacey, my best friend and waited with me until she arrived.

I had tears in my eyes when he kissed me goodbye, not caring when she teased us about our overt display of affection. After one final hug, he was gone, driving to the airport in his spiffy little Rolls Royce and leaving me feeling utterly bereft.

“Come on Delia. Cheer up.” She said slugging an arm around my shoulder.

“I know you can’t stand whenever he isn’t here to suck your face, but it’s only for three days and I’ll be right here the whole time. Although I won’t suck faces with you.” She teased and I rolled my eyes at her, but I smiled, the sting of Zack’s absence a bit milder now that she was here.

The carnival was a huge, teeming with people all around. Families with their kids, teenagers on dates, and even a few adults strolled around the grounds, having a taste of the different stands.

The rides weren't as fun as I remembered from my childhood but I enjoyed them well enough hanging out with Kacey. I looked over my shoulder once or twice but saw nothing out of place and eventually, I relaxed.

At some point, we got some snacks and I finished an extra large milkshake which seemed to go straight to my bladder leaving me pressed a short time later.

“I need to use the restroom.” I whispered and Kacey gave me a strained look “Me too. I really shouldn’t have had a large.” She complained and I tried not to laugh before I started to dribble. We made our way to the ladies, coming to a stop when we saw the long line outside it. Kacey groaned and I grimaced.

“Oh hell no. My bladder’s gonna burst if I keep standing around.” She huffed before turning sharply around. “Come on. Let’s find somewhere else.”

I had no idea what she had in mind, but I was too pressed to care so I let her lead me to some bushes nearby. To my great discomfort, she walked past them, going into the small woods that lay just up ahead, bordering the carnival.

“Um… Kacey… why don’t we just go here?” I asked fearfully, not really wanting to go into the dark woods at this time of the day. I hadn’t forgotten my incident with the disappearing stalker after all.

“Oh, don’t be such a wuss. My dad and I used to come up here to hike all the time. It’s safe. I don’t want any peeping Toms to see me doing my business.”

With that, she went further and I reluctantly followed. We finally found a place to bend down, completely shielded by trees. I relieved myself anxiously, finishing quickly and wiping myself down so we could get the hell out of here.

A rustle somewhere within the thickets surrounding us made me freeze and my eyes darted around nervously, my fear ricocheting up immediately. Kacey gave me a quizzical look.

“Geez. Relax. It’s probably just a squirrel or something. Lots of critters live in the woods you know.”

“Which is exactly why we shouldn’t be peeing here!” I pointed out, clutching my purse tightly. She rolled her eyes.

“Okay, come on. Let’s head back before you start hyperventilating.”

We turned as a unit and started to go back in the direction of the carnival when a huge black wolf with ruby-red eyes jumped into the path before us.

I froze, Kacey stiffening beside me as we both stared at it.

“What the fuck…” She gasped, her confusion at terror apparent in her voice. It stared at us for one long moment and then growled. I screamed.

All thought and reason flew from my mind as I turned and ran.

“Wait! Don’t ru—” Kacey started to warn but it was too late. I had already taken off deeper into the forest, certain that it was coming to get me and I needed to get away from it.

I heard her utter a curse, but couldn’t get myself to turn back and look. I knew she was running as well, our legs working overtime to keep us away from the snarling wolf chasing after us.

It was closing the ground rapidly. We were no match for it, I thought, panick enveloping what was left of my thoughts.

“Shit! Shit! Shit!” Kacey muttered over and over again, sounding as terrified as I felt.

“There’s not supposed to be any wolves here. What the fuck!” She muttered, panick and exertion making her words a shrill.

It was after me. Somehow I knew it was. Coupled with the stalker from the day before, I had a strong feeling this was connected. If that was the case, I had to get away from her. I had to lead the monster away. It was purposely trailing a little bit behind us. Pushing us further away from the edge of the forest so it could strike without our screams calling any attention. It might be over for me but if we separated, Kacey would at least get the chance to leave. I just needed to make sure it happened.

My opportunity came when we approached a fork in the forest trail.

“Left!” I screamed to Kacey and just like I thought, she swung left while I took the bend to the right.

I heard her shrilled“What are you doing!” and ignored it, hoping she would run to safety now. Like I predicted, the wolf stayed hot on my heels. One moment I was desperately barreling through leaves and branches. The next a weight slammed into me, sharp claws digging into my back as I landed on the floor with a thud. Pain exploded all over me, worsening as the creature sunk its teeth into my shoulder.

I saw blood, spurt unto the floor ahead of me, and then I was fading into oblivion, sadness chasing my consciousness as I mourned the loss of a life I had thoroughly enjoyed living.