5

Seraphina's perspective

I groaned in frustration as I paced around my house, and my phone pressed against my ear. "I can't believe it! The principal actually combined our trip with Mr. Brown's class." My voice was laced with irritation as I ranted to Olivia. On the other end of the line, Olivia chuckled. "Come on, chill your ass. Just focus on your work and ignore him." I scoffed. "Yeah, seriously? This whole trip was my idea, and that asshole had the audacity to call it lame in the meeting. And now he's tagging along with his class as if it was his idea all along!"

"Sera, just ignore him. I wish I was coming with you instead. We could’ve had so much fun together." Olivia sighed. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, right. Like this is some fun getaway. It’s an educational trip, Liv. There’s nothing fun about it." I slung my bag over my shoulder and stepped out, calling for a cab. "Still, you’ll be in the middle of a forest. You could at least enjoy a bonfire, tell spooky stories, or, I don’t know, run away from a bear or something. Meanwhile, I’m stuck in my boring accounting job." She groaned dramatically. I let out a laugh as I settled into the cab. "I wish I owned the school. I would’ve dragged you along with me."

"Yeah, right," she scoffed. I checked my watch as the driver weaved through traffic. "Alright, Liv, I gotta go. Your break’s almost over, and I need to reach on time. I’ll call you later."

"Enjoy your totally not fun educational trip," she teased. "And you enjoy your soul-sucking job," I shot back with a grin. "Ugh, don’t remind me," she groaned before ending the call. Half an hour later, I arrived at the school, paid the driver, and stepped out. The sun was already high, casting long shadows over the school grounds. I spotted my students lined up, their excited chatter filling the air. But my mood soured the moment I saw him. There, standing beside his own students, was Mr. Brown. Of course. Just my luck. I strode towards them, forcing a polite smile. "Good morning, Miss Ashford. You're late," he remarked with a smug expression. "We thought you had cancelled your own plans." I clenched my jaw. This douchebag was already testing my patience first thing in the morning. I crossed my arms and smiled sweetly. "Good morning to you too, Mr. Brown. And I must say, I’m surprised to see you here. I thought you weren’t a fan of my idea, yet here you are, tagging along." His smirk faltered slightly, but I wasn’t done. "As for me being late? I was barely five minutes late. Unlike someone who strolls into every meeting at least fifteen minutes late." That shut him up. Sera – 1, Brown – 0. Satisfied, I turned to my students, who were already watching our exchange with interest. "Alright, students, get inside the buses. We’re leaving now."

They eagerly followed my instructions, filing into the bus. Mr. Brown did the same with his class, and soon, we were on our way. The ride to Epping Forest was long, nearly two hours, but my students seemed to enjoy themselves. Some listened to music, and others chatted excitedly about what they expected to see. Meanwhile, I kept my focus on my notes, mentally preparing myself for the trip. Mr. Brown and his students sat in the other section of the bus, and I was grateful for the distance. The last thing I needed was another argument with him. Before I knew it, the bus pulled to a stop, and the driver announced our arrival. The moment we stepped out of the bus, the crisp forest air hit me. The towering trees stretched towards the sky, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. I turned to address my students, but of course, Mr. Brown just had to interrupt. "Miss Ashford, just because the principal combined this trip doesn’t mean I have to follow your lead. My students will be following my method.

The teaching strategy I discussed in the meeting is that my students will adhere to that." I raised a brow as I glanced at his students, who were carrying a whiteboard, notebooks, and even a marker set. Wait. Was he seriously planning to lecture his students in the middle of a forest? I struggled to keep a straight face. "Alright, Mr. Brown. Do whatever you want," I said, barely holding back my laughter. The poor students looked miserable already. They had no idea they had signed up for a full-blown classroom session in the wilderness. Shaking my head, I turned to my own students. "Alright, everyone. Start following me." And with that, we ventured deeper into the forest, leaving Mr. Brown and his mobile classroom behind. We had been walking for twenty minutes, and I could already hear my students' groans echoing through the forest. "Miss Seraphina, how long are we going to walk? It’s been twenty minutes already!" Maria whined, slowing her pace. I rolled my eyes and turned to face her. "Just a few more minutes, Maria. And stop complaining. You all sat in the bus for two hours; a little walking won’t hurt." The group groaned collectively. Seriously? Kids these days. Couldn’t even handle a simple walk through the forest.

Finally, after three more minutes, I spotted the perfect location—a small open clearing surrounded by tall trees, with enough space for tents and a campfire. I smiled in satisfaction. "Alright, class, this is where we’ll camp for the night." I announced, turning to face them. "We’ll do a BBQ tonight and set up our tents in the evening. Right now, it’s 11 AM. We’ll work until 4 PM, then come back here to set up camp and cook." My students nodded in understanding, though some still looked exhausted. "For now, place your bags and supplies here," I instructed, and they immediately began unpacking their things, laying them neatly in one spot.

After five minutes, once everyone was settled, I clapped my hands to get their attention. "Alright, class, let’s get started." I stood in front of the group and began, "Before you start your research, let me give you some basic information about Epping Forest." My students looked at me attentively, their curiosity piqued.

"Epping Forest is one of the largest ancient forests in London. It has a history that dates back thousands of years. In fact, some parts of this forest have been around since the Ice Age. It was once used as a royal hunting ground by kings and queens." One student, Jake, raised his hand. "Miss Seraphina, does that mean there are still wild animals here?" I chuckled. "Well, not like in the old days. But yes, the forest is home to many animals—deer, foxes, birds, and even bats. However, there are no dangerous animals, so you don’t have to worry." Sophie frowned. "But I heard people say this forest is haunted. Is that true?" A few students gasped dramatically. I shook my head with an amused smile. "There are myths and ghost stories, but nothing has been proven. Many forests have legends, and this one is no different. But trust me, we are completely safe." Another student, jackson, asked, "So, what exactly are we supposed to do for this project?" I gestured around the area.

"Your task is to research and write fifty bullet points about the history of Epping Forest. You can look for signs, information boards, and landmarks that might tell you something interesting. You can also take pictures for reference."

"Do we work alone?" Anna asked. I shook my head. "No, you will work in groups. No one is allowed to wander too deep into the forest. Stay around this area and come back before 4 PM." I then turned to Charlie, one of the brightest students in the class. "Charlie, you will be in charge of making sure everyone stays safe and sticks to the task. Keep an eye on the time and ensure no one goes too far." Charlie nodded confidently. "Got it, Miss Ashford."

"Good. Now, everyone spread out and started your research. Be careful, stay in groups, and don’t go too far!" The students nodded and excitedly rushed off to explore.

Time Passes – 4 PM

Hours passed quickly. The sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling filled the air as my students worked on their notes. Some took pictures, others scribbled in their notebooks, and a few even sketched interesting trees and plants. By 4 PM, they all returned, looking exhausted but satisfied. "Alright, class, let’s see how much you’ve learned," I said, gathering them in the clearing. They eagerly showed me their notes, which were filled with information about the forest’s history, geography, and wildlife. I smiled. "Good job, everyone. We will discuss your findings tomorrow in class. For now, let’s prepare the food and enjoy the evening." The students immediately came to life, chatting excitedly as they helped set up the BBQ and gather firewood. Some students took out their phones, snapping pictures of the forest and their friends. Others sat in small groups, gossiping and laughing. As the sun began to set, we lit the fire. The warm glow of the flames flickered against the trees, creating a cosy atmosphere.

"Miss Seraphina, can we tell ghost stories?" Jake asked, grinning. I smirked. "Sure, but don’t blame me if you get nightmares." They laughed, and soon, the storytelling began. Some were funny, others spooky, and a few completely ridiculous. We roasted marshmallows, grilled meat, and enjoyed the fresh forest air. For the first time since the trip started, I actually felt relaxed. As the night deepened, yawns started to spread among the students. The energy from earlier slowly faded, replaced with sleepy murmurs. "Alright, everyone, time to sleep," I announced. "Go to your tents and get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow."

There were a few groans, but they obeyed, disappearing into their tents one by one. Soon, the only sounds left were the distant hoots of owls and the gentle rustling of leaves. I sighed, stretching my arms. Finally, some peace. With that, I crawled into my own tent, ready for some much-needed rest.

The night was quiet. The soft rustling of leaves and distant chirping of crickets filled the air. The warmth of my sleeping bag cocooned me, but my sleep was far from peaceful. I was tossing and turning, my face twisting in discomfort as an old, familiar darkness crept into my mind. A nightmare. It was a nightmare I hadn’t had in a long time. "Mummy… Daddy…" I murmured in my sleep, my voice barely above a whisper. And just like that, the past came rushing back.

Flashback

I was eight years old again. The sound of howls and screams filled the air, blending with the crackling of flames as our pack was under attack. My little hands were trembling as I clung to my mother’s dress. "Sera, run! Hide somewhere! We are under attack!" my mother shouted as she pushed me toward the safe room. I shook my head violently, tears streaming down my face. "No, Mummy! I won’t leave you! I want Daddy!" The roar of a wolf in agony echoed through the air, sending a fresh wave of fear through me. My mother knelt in front of me, her golden eyes filled with urgency. "Seraphina, please, my child, go hide and don’t come out. I have to help your daddy. He needs me." I gripped her hand tightly, my small fingers barely able to wrap around hers. "Promise me you’ll come back," I whispered. Her expression softened for a brief second, and she placed a kiss on my forehead. "I will. Now go hide." With that, she turned and ran outside, disappearing into the chaos. I crawled under the wooden trapdoor in the corner of the room, my body shaking uncontrollably. "Mummy will come back, right, Ella?" I whispered to my wolf, my voice breaking. "She will," Ella replied softly. "But we have to follow her instructions." I hugged my knees to my chest, but something felt wrong. My wolf stirred inside me. "I don’t feel good about this, Sera." I wiped my tears and stood up. "We have to check on Mummy and Daddy."

"Don’t be stupid, Sera!" Ella scolded. "We can’t shift yet. What can we even do?" I clenched my fists. "I don’t care. I have to see them."

"God, Sera, you’re so stubborn," Ella muttered, but she didn’t stop me. I pushed open the trapdoor and slipped out into the night. The world outside was pure chaos. Wolves were growling and fighting, their fur matted with blood. The scent of death hung thick in the air. I kept to the shadows, moving silently toward the battlefield. My heart was hammering in my chest, but I ignored the fear. Hiding behind a thick bush, I peeked out, just in time to see my parents in their wolf forms, fighting fiercely. My father, a large silver wolf, was clawing at an enemy wolf, while my mother, a sleek black wolf, leapt onto another attacker. But we were losing. One by one, our pack members fell. Their bodies are lifeless, their wolves motionless.

And then, I saw them. A tall, powerful wolf with piercing yellow eyes lunged at my father. At the same time, a vampire woman with raven-black hair went for my mother.

"NO!" I wanted to scream, but I clamped my hand over my mouth, biting my lip hard enough to draw blood. I watched, paralyzed in horror, as the wolf snapped my father’s neck with brutal force, and my mother was struck down with a silver dagger through her heart. Their bodies collapsed onto the ground. Their wolves are so strong, so fierce....lay still. They were gone. I shook my head, tears blurring my vision. "No… No… NO!" I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. Then, I saw him. A young boy, no older than twelve, stood beside the vampire and the wolf. His cold blue eyes stared blankly at my parents’ lifeless bodies. The wolf beside him spoke. "That’s how it’s done, son. This is how you take down those who don’t listen." The boy didn’t flinch. He simply watched. I wanted to hate him. I wanted to jump out and attack. But I was just a child, weak and defenceless. "I have to get out of here," I told myself, forcing my legs to move. Heart pounding, I turned and ran, slipping into the darkness of the woods.

Flashback ended

I woke up gasping for air, my heart slamming against my chest. My tent was dark, but I could still hear the soft sounds of the forest outside. My hands were trembling, and when I touched my face, I felt tears streaming down my cheeks. I sat up, pressing a hand to my forehead, which was damp with sweat. It had been a long time since I last had that nightmare. But no matter how much time passed, I could never forget. I could never escape it.  I sat up in my tent, my body still trembling from the nightmare. My breath was uneven, and my forehead was damp with sweat. It felt too real. I reached for the silver necklace around my neck, the one my mother had given me. The small moon-shaped pendant was warm against my skin, as if it still carried her presence. I clutched it tightly. "I miss you so much," I whispered, my voice barely audible in the silence of the night. My heart felt heavy, suffocated by the memories I could never escape. I needed to clear my mind, to breathe. Maybe a walk would help.

I got up quietly, careful not to wake anyone, and stepped outside. The night was calm, and the air crisped and was cool against my skin. The soft glow of the full moon bathed everything in silver light, making the trees look taller, darker, more mysterious. My students were all asleep in their tents, their gentle breaths, the only sound in the quiet camp. I didn’t want to disturb them. So, I started walking. A torch in my hand, I wandered into the dense forest. The forest felt unreal, like something out of a dream. The scent of pine and damp earth filled my senses, and the soft crunch of leaves beneath my feet echoed in the stillness. I used to come here with my parents. They would shift into their wolf forms, running ahead while I chased after them, laughing, struggling to keep up with their speed. I was too young to transform then, but I would always imagine the day I’d be able to run alongside them. Now, they were gone.

And I would never run with them again. The scar in my heart was deep, and no matter how much time passed, I knew it would never heal. I sighed, shaking my head, trying to push the sadness away. That’s when I realized something. I had walked too far. The trees around me were thicker, the air felt heavier, and the familiar path was gone. I glanced around, frowning. How did I get this deep into the forest? A strange sense of unease crept up my spine, but I ignored it. That’s when my eyes landed on something ahead. A wooden board, old and slightly tilted, stood in the middle of the path. The words carved into it were clear despite the faded paint.

"DANGER—DO NOT STEP AHEAD." A cold shiver ran down my spine. My instincts screamed at me to turn around, to go back to camp where it was safe. But then, a long, haunting howl echoed through the forest. I froze. My breath hitched as the sound sent goosebumps up my arms. The howl wasn’t close, but it wasn’t far either. It was deep, almost… calling. I stared at the warning sign again. Something in my chest tightened. What was beyond this point? Why was it so dangerous? I should leave.

I should turn back. But something inside me... curiosity, or maybe something else, urged me forward. I dont even bring any weapon with me today, not my device.

What if there's something and i can't ignore the fact that I just heard the sound of wolf howling.  I gripped the torch tighter and stepped past the sign.

Let's see what there is.