Amazing how one wrong turn can irrevocably change your life…
CHAPTER ONE
It’s one of those lucid nightmares where you know you’re dreaming but
can’t wake up. And because you can’t wake up, you’re terrified what’s happening
is really real.
I run through these woods right here outside of Cape Livingston
I look over my shoulder. A black-haired monster, big and hulking, chases
me. In spite of the huge lead I start out with, the thing is catching up. It
smells me. It doesn’t tire. It is strong and evil and won’t stop until it gets
what it wants. I’m supposed to do something important, really important, but
instead decide to run, and the thing is enraged.
Suddenly, I know I have to fulfill my honor-bound promise no matter how
frightening the monster is. So I stop, turn around, and wait for it. Just wait.
The monster blurs closer as it knocks down trees in its wake and rips
fissures into the dirt with its curved claws. The ground pounds louder and
louder. Pine needles shake off the branches and shower the forest floor.
Terror fills every inch of my exhausted body, but it’s too late to urge
my limbs to move because now my legs refuse to go. What do I wait for? Why do I
stop? Move, Mia!
But I don’t move and accept my fate. I watch the monster grow larger as
it rages toward my human body.
Almost here. My eyes close tight.
