3. Everly
Everly
Chapter three
Alarmed, I jolt awake and take a sharp, audible breath. The sound of a branch snapping nearby has me jumping to my feet, my eyes wide open and alert. From my spot at the back of the tree, I peer outside, but it’s so dark I can barely make out my hand in front of my face.
How long was I asleep?
I take several slow, measured breaths and focus my attention on the sounds of the forest around me. But the only sound that seems to fill my ears at the moment is the rapid beat of my heart. Another loud snap breaks the silence, and I instinctively crouch down. Whatever is out there wants me to know it’s there, and that thought terrifies me.
Moving closer to the entrance, I cling to the opening of the tree for support.
Squinting into the darkness, I try to make out anything in the night. I blink a few times, struggling to get my eyes to adjust and focus as I desperately search for any source of light, but the darkness is overwhelming. I can hear my breathing increase, and know that if I don’t calm myself down, I am going to have a full-blown panic attack. Just because I can’t see anything doesn't mean I’m trapped. Trying to keep my breathing even, I peer into the night, my fingers digging into the rough bark of the tree as I lean further forward.
The night sky is a blanket of darkness without even a star or sliver of moon to be seen through the canopy of trees. My entire body tenses up with fear as the heavy, oppressive darkness seems to close in around me thicker than before.
“Calm down, Everly. You're fine, it’s just the dark,” I mutter to myself.
Holding my breath, I lean further out of my hiding spot, needing to know I’m not trapped within the tree. That I can escape if I want or need to. A tremor runs through me as an icy chill wraps around my body, sending goosebumps scattering across my skin. Surely Nix will be back soon. She must have been gone for more than a few hours now if it’s this dark already.
Suddenly, the sound of a low menacing growl comes from my right, and I feel a hot, heavy breath on the side of my face. I freeze in terror, too afraid to move.
The creature lets out a loud huff, and the hair around my face moves, startling me into action. I scramble backward, landing hard on my backside, pushing myself deeper into the cavern of the tree. My breath catches as my back hits the rough bark and I can’t go any further.
Holy crap, what is out there?
My eyes are fixed on the opening, straining to see through the darkness. I catch sight of two glowing crimson eyes, all the air leaving my lungs at once. I can feel its piercing glare locked on me, and my lungs start to ache as if engulfed in flames.
The outline of the creature is barely visible through the opening, but I can see it is huge, like a bear. As the creature stalks closer, a wave of dizziness overwhelms me and a surge of alarm courses through my veins. Frozen in fear, I watch as it takes another slow and deliberate step toward me.
One more step and I would be sharing the same space with that thing. My heart is beating wildly causing a cold sweat to break out across my skin.
Don’t pass out. Don’t pass out. Don’t pass out.
The creature takes another step then stops abruptly; it seems to struggle as if something is holding it back. It lets out a really pissed off growl and slams against what looks to be an invisible barrier across the entrance of the tree. Now I know why Nix said I would be okay as long as I didn’t leave the safety of the tree.
The creature stops striking the barrier and begins pacing in front of the entrance. I can see a bit better now and can make out the mist puffing from its mouth as it paces back and forth, a low grumble coming from its direction every now and again. It is really pissed off that it can't reach me, but a sense of relief sweeps through me, knowing it can’t enter.
With my back firmly pressed against the wall of the hallow tree, I hug my backpack to my chest, never taking my eyes off the entrance of the tree, and the darkness beyond it.
I groan, feeling stiff and achy, my head begins to pound with an oncoming headache. I have been staring intently for hours while my head keeps bobbing and my eyelids droop from exhaustion. The creature gradually retreated to the trees a while ago. I can't sense it anymore. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and roll my neck slowly from side to side.
Just as I’m about to drift into sleep, I abruptly wake up, startled by the sensation of tipping over. The harsh impact of my head against the rough bark of the tree fills the air with a resounding thud. Frustration seeps through me as I grumble, my palms pressing against the ground as I return to a seated position.
“Crap,” I mutter.
I stare out through the opening of the tree and gasp at the magnificent view. Sunlight has begun streaming through the canopy of trees, lighting the world beyond my hiding spot in a blanket of warmth.
Vibrant, colorful wildflowers cover the forest floor, creating a calming environment, different from the one of the night before.
Were they there yesterday? I don’t think so.
The peaceful sound of the birds chirping fills the air, and I pause to take it in. My lips curl into a smile as I listen, my eyelids falling closed. That’s when I hear another noise. A noise that has a rush of anticipation pulsing through me.
Was that . . . a stream?
But Nix said there wasn’t one nearby.
I listen closely, and I’m one hundred percent sure it’s a stream or creek. I can hear the tranquil sound of water trickling and gurgling with ease now. Excitement fills me and I jump to my feet, swiping up my pack, and making my way to the entrance. Glancing around, I see no signs of danger and the coast appears to be clear. Not to mention the forest is alive with birds and insects, which usually means there are no predators close by.
Shaking my hands out, I try to steady my nerves, but still, the buzzing in my stomach intensifies. I draw in a lung full of fresh air before stepping out into the open and releasing it slowly. I wait a heartbeat and when nothing comes charging out of the trees or bushes, my shoulders slump in relief. Swiping my sweaty palms on my jeans, a new sense of purpose fills me as my thirst returns with a vengeance.
“Okay, Everly, pull your shit together and get yourself some bloody water.”