Chapter 4: Weird things Happening

Lila’s POV 

I woke up the next day with a huge lump in my chest. The events of yesterday kept circulating in my mind over and over, causing an unease to hover on me. Ethan's fierce protectiveness and the disturbing encounter with Dominic, those red glowing eyes in shadows—I only thought these situations were bad nightmares. But my tight muscles and the lump in my gut told me otherwise.

I got out of bed and did my morning routine, hoping the order would settle me.

As I made my way to the clinic, the early morning sunrise casting shadows across the quiet street of Silverwood. I felt like eyes watching me on my walk to the clinic. I quickened my pace. 

When i got to the clinic Sarah was already there when I walked up, her normally open face screwed into an expression of worry. ‘Morning, Lila,’” she said in that tight way people do when they are trying to be friendly against their better judgement. ''Did you hear about the incident at the Miller farm?". 

I frowned, shaking my head. “No, what happened?”

"Their livestock were killed this morning. It appeared as though they had been mauled by some beast, but the wound…they were strange. Not like any animal I have ever seen". 

A chill ran down my spine. “Do you by any chance think it has to do with the wolf we found?

Sarah lowered her shoulders, looking troubled. “Yeah I guess, but that seems like more than a coincidence to me. And there’s more. They said something about shadows lurking between the trunks of trees or hearing peculiar whispers in the dark. Something is moving through this town, like an animal stalking prey". 

I felt a fierce protectiveness swelled within me for the people of Silverwood. "We need to find out whats going on, and fast"

Sarah nodded, determination filling her eyes. “Agreed. But first, check on your patient" 

The wolf was still unconscious, but his breathing evened and the wound appeared to close. I studied it, finally beginning to feel as if this thing could be the key. But what was it?

In the hours that followed, more tales of weird happenings filtered through. Flocks of birds fluttering in strange formations; family pets snarling or hissing at owners who they knew and loved dearly; even sightings reports where deer were venturing inexorably closer to town than ever before. It felt as though the universe was knocking it off course

I walked out of the clinic that evening… I was tired and amped up. I turned into the park, thinking that a breath of fresh air would help to clear my head during the journey back home. Walking between trees, the wind cooling my face and waving leaves over me, I had an eerie moment of déjà vu. The shadows of the forest had seemed to move and play, and for a moment I glimpsed eyes that shone from within. I shook my head, getting out of the creepy vibe.

All I wanted was to reach my house freshly drawn, gratefully it lay before me unscathed. I locked the door and rested against it heavily gasping for breath. The events of the past few days were starting to take a toll on me, and I know I needed to find answers soon.

It was a hard night to sleep. I was haunted in my dreams by bizarre, fractured images—by forests of shadow and burning eyes and the inexorable sensation that something hunted me. I kept waking up, a little bit here and there but always with my heart pounding in my chest, the creeping terror that slid down on me whenever I remembered what had happened.

That following morning, I did not sleep a wink. I hauled myself out of bed and into the shower, in hopes that the heat would revive me. While I stood with the relentless thundering water onto my face, in every break of thought before snapping back to reality was first , one wolf and then so much more strangeness surrounding Silverwood. I needed to talk to Ethan.

He appeared to know, more than he was letting on. And I had a feeling he might have some answers. 

I left for clinic on time, hoping I might catch Ethan before things get busy. Stepping outside into the crisp morning I tried to clear some of that fog from my brain. However, when I got to the front door my feet turned cold and refused to move.

A symbol etched into the wood, This was on a different level from what I had ever seen, it advanced and beautiful yet sinister darkness that screamed with fury. My hand shivered in trepidation as I reached to touch the surface, it was grainy and rough.

“What the hell…?” I whispered, my mind racing. Who had done this? And why?

Frightened now, I took a step back. I wanted to share it with someone, but who? The sheriff didn't trust the word of vagrants like me, and I couldn't bring anyone else into this with me. Ethan. Maybe he was the only one that could understand.

I rushed to the clinic, all my questions and fears racing through my mind. On my arrival, Ethan was already there talking to Sarah in a very serious way. I walked in and he basically jumped slightly when I entered, his eyes wide for a moment, but that was all.

“Lila, are you okay?” He asked, stepping towards me

“I am not sure". I admitted, my voice shaky. "There’s something you need to see". 

He followed me to my house. My heart pounding with every step. When we reached the front door. I pointed to the symbol, my hand shaking.

Ethan frowned, studying the symbol "Fu— this isn't good", his voice trailed off. “This symbol…it’s a mark. A warning.”

“A warning of what?”I managed to ask, my voice shaking.

“A warning that you being watched" he replied, his voice grim. "And who ever did this to you has plans for you"

My mind reeled. “What do we do?”

“Whoever is responsible, we have to find them and then figure out why,” Ethan said through tight lips. “And we need to do it fast.”

I stared at symbol loomed large on my front door, feeling a sense of foreboding that my life was about to change in ways i couldn't image. Silverwood's secrets were quickly catching up with me, and I had no other option now but to face them head on.

Having Ethan next to me was a relief but it also raised more question Who was he, really? What does he know about the dangers lurking in the shadows. Turning to follow him back to the clinic, there was some small new part of me that thought our paths were now inextricably bound together and whatever mysteries Silverwood kept hidden had drought us its epicentre.

At the clinic, Ethan and I analyzed every line of that symbol looking for anything we could find. He explained that the symbol may also belong to a race of practitioners with supernatural powers that can stake claim or issue a challenge. It was clear that someone or something want to let us know they were watching.

“We need to be be careful,” Ethan warned. "Somebody who knows about you, Lila. They have your home address and they've made it clear that they are not afraid to make their presence known."

I nodded, my nerves on overdrive. “What do we do now?”

Ethan responded quickly: "We keep our eyes open.... and we find out who’s behind this. But most importantly, we stay vigilant. I will keep watch over you, Lila. I won't let anything happen to you." 

His words were reassuring, yet they also carried a sense of increased risk. The marking on my door was just the beginning. Those shadows in Silverwood were tightening, I felt it slipping away — we had limited time left to solve just what was true.

That night as i lay on my bed, i felt uncomfortable finding it hard to fall asleep. I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, every single wooden creak of my house, and almost each individual rustle in the leaves, which was enough to send my heart thumping. The symbol on my door was a persistent indicator of the truth: that danger knew about us, and it was closing in. 

After much thought and thinking o was finally able to get some sleep but I had a dream the symbol haunted me. The orb occasionally pulsed a faint light, tinged of dark. I watched shadows dance in the forest and heard distant voices talking too rapidly to discern what they said. And all the while I knew those watching eyes were there, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

I bolted awake, drenched in sweat and my heart racing. And the nightmares were becoming worse and more real. I knew I wouldn't be able to deal with this by myself. No, but I also needed to learn how to be strong on my own. Ethan promise of keeping me safe was salvation and nothing else mattered.

That next day I continued my exploration into the history of Silverwood. There had to be something, some kind of link that could allow us make sense of what was going on. I went to the town library and sat for hours going over old files, papers from newspapers. Some of those stories will chill you to the bone, tales about people vanishing without a trace or strange things happening in these woods and ancient legends of dark forces that had plagued the town for centuries.

There is a story I got hooked onto. The story was about a witch who had lived in Silverwood centuries ago — a woman so powerful her name Elara , alone made the birds and beasts quiver, or perhaps slip into their burrows with quiet care of an evening. She wielded great power, and was said to draw strength from the forest. The story went on that she was betrayed by those she trusted and was loyal to, and one day she would come back for her revenge.

And the more I read, the more convinced I grew that there was a nugget of reality at their core. Silverwood was alive with secrets and shadows, and the past had come to haunt us. But why now? what did that have to do with me?

Stumbling away from the library, my thought buzzing with information; I could once again feel that tingle of dread. I look around the streets it was empty and lonely. But I still felt as if someone was watching me, so I hurried back home.

I stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of my front door and froze. The sign was still, there but now something new. A scrap of parchment which had been pinned below the etching. I removed it with shaking hands and unfolded.

That message was short, but gave me the chills: "We coming"

I gripped the note, mind whirling. Who were they? What did they want? Who could I trust, and how did that even matter?

As I stood there , the shadows lengthening around me, I knew one thing for sure. The time for answers were running out. The danger was real, and it was closing in. I had to be ready. 

And I had to trust Ethan. Whatever secrets he was hiding. I knew he was my only chance at survival. Together we would face the shadows and uncovered the truth about Silverwood. Before it was too late.