The campfire burned low as the night deepened, casting long shadows across the clearing. Most of the campers were settling into their tents, buzzing with exhaustion from the day's activities. But Levin and Exzy had other plans.
"You ready for this?" Exzy whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Not really," Levin admitted, clutching the flashlight tightly. "But I'm not letting you go alone."
Exzy grinned, adjusting her jacket. "You're the best, Lev. Now, come on! The band camp's just through the woods."
The two slipped away from the campsite, careful not to make a sound. The woods were darker than Levin had anticipated, and every rustle of leaves sent his heart racing.
"Are you sure this is worth it?" he asked, trying to keep up with Exzy.
"Absolutely. The drumline competition is going to be epic!" she said, practically skipping ahead.
After what felt like an eternity, they reached a clearing where the distant sound of drums and cheering greeted them. Exzy's face lit up.
"There it is!" she exclaimed, taking off toward the lights.
Levin hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the dark woods.
The drum camp was alive with energy. Drummers of all ages competed in a heated contest, their rhythms echoing through the night. Exzy was in her element, cheering wildly and even hopping onto a stage to join an impromptu jam session.
"She's a natural," someone said, clapping as Exzy finished an incredible solo.
Levin nodded, trying to stay awake as the excitement wore on.
Hours passed, and Exzy was declared the winner of the open drum session. "I'm staying here for the night," she told Levin, holding up a makeshift trophy.
"Are you serious?" he asked, rubbing his temples.
"Come on, Lev! It's just one night. Plus, the organizers invited me to their advanced workshop tomorrow," she said with a pleading look.
Voice: And now I have to trudge back through the woods alone.
"Fine," Levin said, sighing. "But if I die out there, I'm haunting you."
Exzy laughed. "Deal. Now, go before someone notices we're missing."
Levin reluctantly turned back toward the dark woods. The forest seemed even eerier now, with thick fog curling around the trees and the distant hoot of an owl making him jump. He clicked on his flashlight, trying to shake the uneasy feeling creeping up his spine.
Then, he heard it-a low growl.
"Probably just a stray dog," he muttered to himself, picking up the pace.
But the growl came again, closer this time. Levin froze, heart hammering in his chest. He turned, and his flashlight caught the glint of yellow eyes in the darkness.
Before he could react, a massive wolf lunged at him, sinking its teeth into his arm. Levin screamed, flailing wildly, and managed to kick the creature off. The wolf snarled once more before disappearing into the shadows.
Clutching his bleeding arm, Levin stumbled back toward the camp, his vision blurring.
Meanwhile, back at the campsite, Levia was perched high in a tree, phone in hand.
"Stupid signal," she muttered, raising her phone higher in hopes of finding a bar. "I can't even text anyone about this lame camp."
As she shifted her weight, something fluttered past her face-a bat. She swatted at it instinctively, but the creature swooped back, biting her on the neck before flying off into the night.
"Ow!" she hissed, clutching her neck. "Great. Just great. A bat bite. Can this trip get any worse?"
The next morning, the camp was in chaos. Levin had been found at the edge of the woods, unconscious and feverish. His torn sleeve revealed the angry bite on his arm.
"Get him to the hospital," Connor ordered, his cheerful demeanor replaced by worry.
Levia watched from a distance, her hand still pressed against the faint mark on her neck.
"Looks like you're going home early, little brother," she muttered under her breath, her expression unreadable.
Levia turned back to the group, determined to act like nothing had happened.