"Damn it!" she cried, hurling the metal rod against the door. It bounced off and landed on the floor with a deafening clang. Coral's been trying to open the door for ages, and she's already tried every lock trick she's learned from Undisclosed. She even tried breaking through the door, but it seemed like as if it was metal. Coral kicked the door in frustration and howled in pain, receiving a stub in her toe. Wincing, she went over to the bench and sat down. She removed her sneaker and nursed her throbbing toe.
He recoiled as soon as he saw her sit down on the bench he was hiding behind. He had never gotten close to a human before, especially her, even though he has been watching her come and go every night. He scrambled backwards, digging his nails into the deep earth to steady himself. She hadn't noticed him. She was so close to finding out where he was hiding... he would never dream of knowing how she'd react once she had seen him.
She smells like scented candles and wood. But he could smell her blood, too. Rich and sweet, just the way he wanted it. He needed food. He's been feasting on deer and small mammals from the forest for the rest of his life and he needed something more appetizing. Like her.
Damn it, stop thinking about that! he thought angrily, growling at himself.
But I'm hungry, the rough voice in his head said longingly.
Then go find some birds and their eggs.
I said I'm hungry.
She needs help.
Hungry. Hungry.
She needs your help.
He looked up at her silhouette sitting down on the bench. She had thin shoulders and wavy brown hair that trailed down behind her back. She was muttering something, but he couldn't hear her. It won't hurt if he approaches her, right? She's been hanging around Shadow Street for a long time and he wanted to know why. As far as he knows, everyone in St. Martine's town was told that the forest and beyond it was haunted.
I just hope she doesn't take off running, he thought bitterly.
He let out a long, desolate sigh. Coral turned around with a frightened look on her face, thinking that it was a ghost. He stood still behind a tree, holding his breath and not moving an inch. "Hello?" Coral called out, her voice slightly wobbling. "Anyone there? I – I didn't know there were spirits here."
She sounded so terrified that it almost brought pity to himself. Almost. Mortals always get scared. He peeked from behind the tree's bark to look at her. Her round blue-green eyes were filled with anxiety and surprise. Her body was tense and still. He could sense her fear from where he was standing. "I'll – I'll leave now, if that's what pleases you. I don't mean – I don't mean any harm. I'm sorry," Coral stammered, standing up and backing away slowly. She held the metal rod in her trembling hand.
"Please don't."
He almost wished he hadn't said that. But she looked so harmless and anxious that it made him feel sorry for her. He was still standing behind the tree, staring at her, as she turned around in alarm looking for the source of the voice. "Hello? Hello? What do you mean?" she said, looking around. He shifted slightly in his position.
Then her eyes landed on him.
His chest deflated when they locked eyes with each other. Her eyes were striking and sharp, like a knife placed slowly but painfully in his chest. He didn't dare move. But she was moving towards him like a cat, gradually and hesitantly. "Is that you?" she whispered, lowering the metal rod. "Come into the light."
Don't, his inner voice begged him. She's dangerous.
He never listened to his inner voice. He stepped sideways from the tree bark. He stepped forward a bit, but he didn't let himself be seen that much. He stared back at her with his hands in his hoodie's pockets. Coral found herself staring at a pair of bright, sweet hazel eyes. "Hey, it's okay – you can talk to me."
She was stepping closer towards him it brought tingles to his skin. He moved towards her, his inner voice nagging at him. Her eyes were replaced with curiosity and interest. "I'm Coral. What's your name?" she asked.
Coral. It sounded peaceful and calm, like the gentle waves of a river.
He moved towards her rather stiffly. There was a line of sunlight separating the both of them. He shivered, not wanting to step into the light. It scared him. He looked at her helplessly, but she was smiling at him. Smiling. Nobody has ever smiled at him before. He wished he could smile back at her, but she probably wouldn't see it.
"You can talk, right?" Coral continued. "And it was you earlier?"
She was asking way too much questions. Mortals always did so, because they were always questioning. However, he nodded. She beamed at him and extended a hand. "Come with me."
He held his breath and looked at her hand. He never held anyone else's hand for a long time. The girl Coral looked so kind and innocent. He smiled in the dark and took her hand. "I'm Pete."