The Darkness Takes Me

Darkness has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has always been there, lurking in the shadows, watching me. Ever since the war broke out between the creatures and humans, darkness has been a persistent companion, protector, and guide. But this night was different. As I made my way through the darkness, I felt something else. Something that has never been there before. Something that has my heart beating a little faster and my skin crawling with unease. The darkness seems to be reaching out towards me. Almost as if it were trying to take me. Memories of the first time I felt the darkness clouded my vision and burned the back of my eyes. "Raven let’s go!” It was beautiful out with the moon illuminating everything. I watched Mike take a seat on top of the picnic table with his buddies Jessie and Brian. I gaze around taking in the park. We were surrounded by the eerie quiet of the deserted forest. During the day the park is full of hikers and kayakers. On

Dustin and I exited the truck. I was furious. My gun aimed at Mr. Swagger’s head. “Freddy, I need an explanation like now.” I demanded my eyes never leave the smug looking wolf. “Do you know who I am?” he asked us he jumped out of the back of the truck. I felt him getting closer and closer. I wasn’t about to let my guard down this time. “Why would I care who you are? You will be dead shortly. Just make one wrong move,” I dared him my voice getting eerily calm. “Oh, Darlin’ I can’t let you kill me you would miss me too much. Your pain is my pain, and I would never want to see you hurting.” He taunted me. “Yeah, not in this lifetime buddy.” “Darlin’ you will be begging for my touch before the week is out.” It was probably the blood loss but every time he spoke my heart would do a little flip. “You won’t live that long.” I stepped closer to him cocking the barrel back. I was getting ready to squeeze the trigger when Freddy stepped between us putting his hand on the barrel of my gun.

"You can leave too!" Marcus was still standing next to me in my bedroom after Dustin had stormed out. “Are you sure you want to be alone?” I hated that he was worried. We already established that I was fine, but then again, he wasn’t referring to my health. I didn’t know how to answer him. When he was close, I wanted him to stay. When he wasn’t I wanted him near me. The more time I spent with him, the more I changed my mind about this whole situation. The more I questioned my own feelings. “I guess that’s my answer.” He smiled at me. A sad smile that tugged my heartstrings. I wanted to get it back. “I will be back later. You will see.” It was as if he could read my mind. “I know you don’t trust me, but you will.” He winked at me before closing my door. Finally, alone my mind wouldn't stop racing. How does my life go from normal to chaotic this quickly? I don't know how long I sat there in my bed. I was still in my nightgown and the sun was shining in through my windows. Just when

Storming out of the room and I stomped my way down the hall to my own quarters slamming the door to my room shut behind me. I am still trembling with rage. I lock my door before throwing myself down onto my bed. Tears well up making my eyes feel puffy and tender as the day’s events play over in my mind. The tension in the air is almost palpable, and it is making my skin crawl. After a few minutes, I began to feel calmer. Eventually I find myself breathing normally again. As the adrenaline fades from my body, my mind wanders onto other topics. More specifically towards the thoughts of Marcus and Dustin. My skin tingles but I push the feeling away and let myself drift off to sleep. I am naked and alone. I have never been one that has ever felt comfortable enough to sleep in the nude. Sitting up in bed examining my surroundings, I realize this isn’t my room. The room is dark, but the glow from the moon outside emits enough of a glow to illuminate the large king size bed and various pie

Stepping out of the vehicles we burst through the entrance. Ghouls were standing around in their sleep state until we began firing. The gun fire brought the hell hounds running in out of nowhere. I could hear my men calling out, but I was focused now. Dustin was at my eight in tactical formation we made our way forward taking ghouls down one after the other. It was as if there was no end to them. My gun clicked catching me off guard. "I'm out." I threw the empty gun down pulling out my blades. Ghouls came at me mouths open arms outstretched as they ran at me moaning in hunger. I kicked the closest one away from me stabbing the one behind it in the head. Twirling around to stab another. I could hear Diez and Jack yell out clear as they came towards me and Dustin making our way towards the stairs. I watched the last ghoul drop and sprinted towards my group. I lead the way down. It was dark and I could hear water dripping somewhere nearby. Using signals, I held them up as we came to th