Chapter 8 Don't go into the woods!
Nova's POV
I stood in the center of the tiny room, the strap of my single duffel bag digging into my shoulder as I looked around. It felt strange to be away from the monastery. My first time out in the real world, and for the first time in my life, Sister Joan wasn’t by my side. Leaving this morning had been a tearful, emotional moment.
"So, who are you supposed to be?"
I jumped, spinning around to see a girl standing in the doorway. She had vibrant red hair, sharp green eyes, and a smirk on her face.
"What, cat got your tongue?" she teased.
I swallowed hard, trying to clear the sudden dryness in my throat. "I... I'm Nova."
The girl burst out laughing, stepping into the room. "Oh, come on, did you really take me seriously? I was just kidding."
I felt a hot blush creep up my neck and I tucked a stray curl behind my ear.
"Hi, I'm Gwen," she said, extending a hand toward me. "Archaeology major, and your roommate."
I shook her hand, feeling a small wave of relief. "I'm Nova. Ancient History."
"Oh, wow, look at us. Basically the same department, just a slightly different flavor," Gwen said, examining my face. "And my god, your eyes are stunning. I love your curls."
A smile broke across my face. I wasn't used to compliments like that. "Thanks. I love your hair, too."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please, this old red mop? Thanks, though."
Gwen tossed her bag onto the empty mattress and sat down. "You’re moving in a little late, aren't you?"
"Um, yeah. I was a bit sick last week."
"Oh, bummer. Well, I hope you’re all healed up, because we are going to the freshman welcome party tonight."
My eyes widened. "A party?"
I had never been to a party in my life. Aside from the quiet Sunday services in the cathedral back home, I had spent my whole life avoiding crowds.
"Yes, a party," Gwen grinned. "The seniors are hosting it for us. It’s a secret bonfire hike out in the southern woods."
"What?" I gasped, my voice dropping to a panicked whisper. "Isn't that dangerous?"
Sister Joan’s warnings echoed in my head.
She had told me horrific stories about people vanishing without a trace in those woods back when she lived at the southern monastery.
Gwen frowned, looking at me like I had two heads. "Dangerous? Funny. What? Are you scared your parents are going to find out?" she laughed.
I swallowed my fear. I was in a new place now, and the last thing I wanted was to be the weird, lonely girl who stayed behind. I needed to blend in.
"Okay," I said, forcing a small smile. "I'll go."
"Awesome! Dress nice, and a little sexy. We don't want people thinking we're nerds on the first day," Gwen said, patting my shoulder before slipping out the door.
Once she was gone, I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. It felt incredibly nice to have someone speak to me so freely.
I looked down at my open duffel bag on the bed. Now, what on earth am I supposed to wear?
When it was time for the party, I stood in front of the mirror and stared at my reflection. I had put on a long spring dress that fell past my knee, paired with a wool jacket, thick gray socks, and black loafers. I smiled, feeling put together.
Then the door burst open, and Gwen walked in. She froze, staring at me in shock.
"What the hell are you wearing?"
I looked down at my outfit, my smile fading. "A dress. It’s my favorite. Isn't it pretty?"
Gwen walked over, scanning me from head to toe. "This isn't anywhere close to pretty, Nova. You look like you're heading to a church crusade. Don't you have anything else?" She marched over to my duffel bag, unzipping it and throwing dresses and skirts over her shoulder one by one. Disappointment was written all over her face. "Well, you have literally nothing we can use."
Sighing, she went over to her own closet and pulled out a short pleated skirt that stopped mid-thigh, a cropped knit cardigan, and leather knee-high boots.
"I can't believe I'm lending you these," she muttered. "Go put them on. And take off... whatever that is."
I nodded nervously and changed. When I stepped back in front of the mirror, I couldn't believe my eyes. I looked like a completely different person.
"Wow," Gwen breathed, a proud grin spreading across her face. "Now this is what I'm talking about."
She gathered my wavy hair, tying it up in a ponytail, and swiped a red lipstick across my lips. "Perfect. You look like a goddess. Now let's go, we don't want to keep everyone waiting."
The hired bus dropped us off at a dark trail, and a senior student led our group into the woods. I was terrified; the forest was dark and freezing. But looking around at the fifteen other students, their faces were glowing with excitement.
Eventually, we reached the bonfire, a big, cleared space right in the heart of the woods. The fire crackled loudly, casting long, dancing shadows against the trees.
"Hey, beautiful," a handsome guy with blonde hair said, walking up to us. He handed Gwen and me two red cups. Gwen blushed, giving him a flirty smile
.
"Thanks!" she purred.
I took a small sip of my drink and immediately winced, my face twisting at the sour, burning taste.
"Whoa, first time drinking?" the blonde guy asked, chuckling.
I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Gwen patted my arm. "Okay, I'm going to mingle. Go find my own soulmate for the night."
I looked at her pleadingly, not wanting her to leave me alone, but I didn't say anything.
Before I could panic, another guy stepped into her place.
"Hi, I'm Ethan," he said.
I looked down at my cup, my heart fluttering. "Hi. I'm Nova."
"Nice name. You have beautiful eyes, Nova. And a really beautiful face."
I blushed, mumbling a quiet thank you.
As the night went on, the alcohol started to kick in, and I relaxed a little around Ethan. He was handsome and had a deep, soothing voice. Oh Lord, please have mercy on me, I prayed silently. Why am I staring at a guy this much?
Suddenly, the music grew louder. Everyone around us started dancing like they were out of their minds.
"Would you like to dance?" Ethan asked, holding out a hand.
I shook my head quickly. "I don't know how."
He kept his hand extended, gesturing for me to take it. "Come on. Let me teach you."
I hesitated, then reached out and took his hand. Ethan gently pulled me close, slipping his arm around my waist as he moved my body to the rhythm of the music. It felt strange, but nice. I looked up at him, and he gave me a warm smile, leaning down to whisper in my ear, "Loosen up, beauty."
Blushing, I followed his lead, dancing close to the heat of the roaring bonfire.
After a while, Ethan gently led me away from the crowd, guiding me into the quieter, darker edge of the woods.
He looked down at me, his eyes dark. I felt dizzy and tipsy. "You are so hot, princess," he whispered against my neck. "I really want to taste those soft lips."
I couldn't find the words to reply. His voice sounded so tempting. When he leaned down and pressed a kiss to my neck, a spark vibrated through my body. It was the most intense feeling I had ever experienced. He kissed my neck again, then pulled back to look at me before taking in my lips.
I froze, shutting my eyes tightly as he kissed me. His hands moved from my neck down to my waist, and with a surge of strength, he lifted me off the ground, pressing my back against a rough tree trunk.
"Please... stop," I breathed out, the intensity making me nervous.
Ethan paused, sliding me back down to my feet. He smiled gently, brushing a stray hair from my face. "Let me make you feel good, angel."
He leaned in to kiss me again, but I placed my hands firmly against his chest, pushing him back.
"Did you hear that?" I whispered, squinting into the darkness, trying to focus past the tipsy fog in my brain.
Ethan glanced around the dark woods.
"What? I didn't hear anything." He smiled, leaning back in to suck my lips. This time, I let myself go, kissing him back as our lips synchronized.
Slash!
The sound was sharp and wet. Ethan stopped kissing me.
I pulled away, frowning up at him. "What's wrong?"
He didn't answer. His eyes were wide with shock. A second later, dark, thick blood began pouring out of his mouth. His knees buckled, and his body collapsed onto the dirt.
Standing behind where Ethan had just been was a pale, human creature. Its fingers ended in long claws, dripping with fresh, dark blood. Ethan's blood.
The human stared at me and bared its teeth in a horrific smile showing his fangs.
I let out a scream and started running as fast as my boots could carry me back toward the safety of the bonfire. But in a terrifying blur of motion, the creature vanished and reappeared right in front of me.
Before I could gasp, its clawed hand wrapped tightly around my throat, lifting me off the ground. My airway closed, and I clawed desperately at its arm, gasping for breath that wouldn't come.
Oh God, I thought in terror as the world began to fade. Is this how I die?
