Then it happened. My eyes that once saw the classroom from Myths and Legends, were changing. I smelled fresh pine and then a forest came into view. The thing that most caught my eyes was the crimson moon that was high up in the sky. The room's temperature changed as well. It was now rather chilly. Where was I at? No. I was still in the classroom. I know this because, though it was a slight difference, I could feel the soft material from the sofa from the classroom. The forest trees seemed to surround me now. I steadied my breathing. Calm down, Sybil. I felt the gentle touch of someone grounding me. I wasn't sure, but I thought it was Kira.
I noticed someone running in front of me. It was a girl. My eyes were wide. She was stunning. The way her long wavy hair flowed down past her hips was beautiful. If it were not for the fear in her eyes her deep hazel-colored eyes would be breathtaking. She was running so hard that sweat seemed to make her white tank top cling to her body. She had on a pair of pink shorts as well. I was a bit confused as to why she had no shoes. What was she running from? Why did she look familiar? Didn't she go to this school?
My ears heard this savage snarling from behind the tree line. I looked over in horror at what I saw. It had to be the scariest thing I had ever laid eyes upon. This… creature was standing on its feet standing up. He was covered in matted fur. However, that was not the worst part. The worst part was I could see his sharp fangs coming out from the side of his snout. Before I could even scream the girl beside me did.
I would have run deeper into the woods. Instead, the girl fell on her knees and looked up at the creature.
"I am so sorry you could not control yourself." She sobbed.
The creature then locked eyes with her. It seemed to be hesitating. Why? The creature could not have human emotions, could it? I mean, it is a wolf. That's it, right? My eyes seemed drawn to the girl as the beast treaded closer. The woman who was full of fear was changing. She looked up at the beast with sadness, but also love and understanding. It made me relate to her. Her emotions blended with mine. Was this creature in control? Why wasn't she more terrified?
"Remember I will never blame you for this. I love- "She never got to finish.
The beast had shot out his claws and buried them deep inside her throat. Shock was carved into her face. I cannot seem to figure out if she was shocked because the beast had struck her, or if it was because her brain had not had the time to register that claws were now embedded in her flesh. When the beast had pulled out his claws, blood sprayed out and soaked through the girl's shirt. Soft tissue of bloody and mangled flesh was everywhere. A shirt that was once white, was now stained with blood the color of crimson.
My vision of the classroom came back in a flash. I was panting softly and all of the sudden I saw the teacher looking at me with worry.
"Miss Sybil! Are you alright I asked?" He asked me.
"Y-yes of course! I was daydreaming. It will not happen again, Sir." I stammered.
He looked at me curiously.
"I see, well… class is over. Do study the remainder of the chapter regarding Sirens. You will be expected to do a quiz in the upcoming days." He spoke to the class.
I hurried myself up as I grabbed all of my stuff. When I had all of my items together, I found myself shivering in memory. After I saw that girl's shirt covered in blood, I heard the wail of pure regret from that beast. I found part of myself wanting to comfort him in such tragic times. The wail echoed in my ears. It was the cry of a man who knew he could never turn back from the deeds he had done.
I sighed in pure bliss at the water running down on my body. After the day I had, I needed a cold shower before I went to this party. The water seemed to puddle around my feet before it drained down the pipes. It was extremely relaxing.
After I finished with the shower, I dried myself off with a towel, and then I got out. What to wear? I walked into my room and opened my closet. Do I go with party clothes, or something more of my style? I nibbled on my bottom lip as I scanned my entire closet. I suppose this would do.
I slipped into this blood red dress. It was utterly breathtaking. I could never wear something like this, but tonight I felt confident. It came to about my mid thighs, but the way the silk material clung to my skin made me feel amazing! It even had a cinched waist design. I paired the outfit with a pair of silver sandals. It looked fairly decent.
I pulled out my phone and called an Uber. I had no idea what would come of this party, but I was turning over a new leaf. I nodded at that thought. My mind was still not made up about what I should do in regard to Trent. I felt that he had said all the correct things my ears wanted to hear, however my heart knew that he said the words too late.
My phone buzzed and I looked down to see my Uber ride was here. I double checked my outfit over and saw it was perfect. I smiled down at myself as I headed out the door before my father would know I was leaving for the night.
For some reason, the feeling of dread was lingering deep in my stomach. Why did I feel that tonight something was going to happen?
When I walked onto the property, I could instantly feel the heavy bass coming from the speakers. There was a huge mass of people being clustered together. I shook my head smiling as I noticed all of the excessive grinding that was being done as well. Now this… this is a party. In this instant I felt like I was the teenager I was supposed to be. Given I was 18, but that still was teenage years. The party was being hosted in one of the old founder houses. The house was beyond old and dated. Yes, it was eccentric, but it had character. Hell— it was perfect for a rager like tonight.
Just then I bumped head on into someone. I groaned and mumbled something about a brick wall. My body felt the sound of a chuckle before my ears heard it. I looked up to find Alexander. My eyes blinked in surprise before I could even process the motion. He looked down at me and almost seemed awkward.
"God. Sorry Sybil. I didn't even see you there." He said.
Oh dear sweet baby Jesus. His voice was like honey on a biscuit. I snapped out of it and
nodded. I held out my hands as a jester of good faith. I had never really gotten close to him.
"Hey, no harm, no foul, right?" I said.
It was then I heard something behind me. Only, when I looked, there was nothing but the woods. Or at least, there was the tree line of the forest. Go there. Without turning to Alexander, I told him to go inside to the party and I would be there in a bit. Something had my attention and I was not about to brush it off. My body set off towards the woods, and I ignored the fact that Alexander was following me from a distance. Maybe he thought I wasn't paying attention, but I was. Part of me was thankful for the extra body around me. Hell, maybe he thought I was insane.
It wasn't until I was about five feet past the tree line that I saw movement. It was a small shadow close to the ground that ran past me. Then another. I jolted when a hand grasped my elbow gently. My head snapped up. Alexander. Damn he scared me. I sighed, but it was short lived. The shadow stepped out. It was… a dog? Sure enough, it was just a dog. A badly groomed one, but a dog. A soft laugh escaped my lips.
"Ah, you scared me little guy." I mumbled to the animal.
At that moment, the universe seemed to want to fuck me over. One moment, the dog glanced at me furiously, then in an instant, he snarled at me in pure fury. I gasped as I felt Alexander take a step to stand in front of me. The way he shielded me with his body was something out of a movie. Body heat was all I felt. He smelt of pine, the wind, and fresh soil. I felt a deep sense of wonder as he stared down the animal. My body glanced out from behind Alexander and I gasped.
In this moment, it was as if Alexander became an animal himself. His eyes glazed over and his whole body was bulking in size. My body slightly shook when I heard a low growl coming from him. The dog across from us slowly lowered his head at Alexander before retreating back to the woods. A shudder of a relief breath fell from me.
"What in the hell just happened?" I whispered to no one in particular.
Before I knew it Alexander's chest was right in my view as he cupped my face making me look at him. My breath stilled. He looked almost normal now.
"I'll tell you what happened. You tell me to go inside so you can what?— go get attacked in the woods! Who would know you were gone, Sybil? What if something happened to—" he stopped and dropped his hands.
Neither of us spoke. We couldn't. What could we say? I found myself stepping back. My heel connected with a rock or something. Shock was what came next. I felt the air rushing behind me as I fell backwards. Alexander saw this as well. Before I knew it he pulled me towards him, but it wasn't enough. We both fell back across the tree line. I waited for the impact, but it never came.
My eyes opened to see Alexander beneath me. He— he took the fall, for me. I looked down at him as he looked up at me. Silence. Then I couldn't help it, I snorted and laughed. I laughed and laughed at this situation. Alexander looked at me with deep confusion before a grin formed on his face as he joined in on my laughter. But happiness can't last forever it seems.
A cough came from around us. We both glanced up to see Trent and two of his lackeys beside him. The one to the right spoke asking me what I was doing here. I didn't need any more attention to be drawn to Alexander. Hell— his life was already hell because he was what society deemed and outcast. I scoffed at him and rolled my eyes, getting up and walking off. Thankfully, Alexander got the hint and stayed back. I knew Trent and his buddies would follow. Of course, they did. When we were far enough back into the party scene I turned to face Trent.
"Why don't you give me a kiss?" I asked.
Any distraction. Anything. I don't want this night to go to hell anymore. I still have that sickening feeling deep inside of me.
"Well why don't you make me?" He said, smirking.
Oh, gladly good sir. I reached up and yanked his shirt towards me. Our lips crashed together and it was heavenly. He tasted of smoke and sun. When I pulled away he was smiling and called me his good girl. Oh Trent, good girls don't stay when they know they should leave. Good girls don't hang around those who she shouldn't. That feeling of dread filled me once more. I looked up at Trent.
"Trent, go please. Go home. I— I can't explain it, but I feel like something is going to happen tonight. Something… dark." I whispered the last part.
Trent's followers laughed out loud which made Trent chuckle. He shook his head at me and just walked away. I know he heard me. Why? Why does he not listen… As I thought this, my eyes traveled to the roof of the house. It was them. Those girls from the bathroom earlier. Always, they seemed to stay together. They must have seen the whole thing. God, I feel so embarrassed for some reason. I let a defeated sign escape my lips once more. Maybe a party wasn't such a great idea. I felt so stupid. With that, I walked away.