Jefferson stood frozen, unable to move or speak, his face drained of color. Ma’am Elena, with her sharp gaze, approached him cautiously. As soon as she touched his hand, he jerked it away, as though her touch had shocked him.
“What is going on here?” Ma’am Elena’s voice cracked through the air, her patience wearing thin.
The pack remained silent. Everyone seemed paralyzed with fear, some visibly trembling. The tension was suffocating.
Finally, Jefferson, still shaken, managed to whisper, “I… I’m sorry, my lady. It’s just that what we encountered out there was unlike anything we’ve ever seen or heard of before.”
I felt a cold chill run down my spine. His words were ominous, and the fear in his voice was undeniable. I had so many questions swirling in my mind.
‘What could possibly be so terrifying that even the Nightwalkers, a pack known for their strength and dominance, are this scared?’ I thought, my heart pounding in my chest.
I took a few steps closer, curious and uneasy, trying to listen more intently. Ma’am Elena, her voice low but commanding, pressed Jefferson for more details.
“What happened out there?” she demanded.
Jefferson took a shaky breath before speaking again. “As we were hunting, as usual, we noticed smoke coming from the distance. We decided to check it out. When we got there, we didn’t find anyone-just smoldering wood, as if someone had put out a fire moments before.”
The whole pack hung on his words. It was eerily quiet as everyone listened to him, the tension in the air growing with every word.
“And then?” Ma’am Elena’s voice was tight with impatience.
Jefferson hesitated, his eyes darting around nervously. “We searched the woods, thinking it might be the invaders we discussed earlier. But… we encountered something we weren’t prepared for.”
Ma’am Elena stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “What did you see?”
“Shapes. Human-like figures made entirely of smoke. They attacked us… and we couldn’t hurt them. Nothing we did worked. They were… indestructible. We had no choice but to flee,” Jefferson finished, his voice trembling again.
The pack was stunned. I could see the fear reflected in Ma’am Elena’s eyes, though she tried to hide it. The elders, who had been standing silently, exchanged worried glances. It was clear that whatever Jefferson had seen was far worse than anyone expected.
The eldest elder stepped forward, his face grim but composed. He spoke in a calm but firm tone. “This is something we do not fully understand yet. But I urge everyone not to panic. We must act cautiously. No one should move around alone at night until we know more about what we’re dealing with. Be mindful of where you go and whom you speak to.”
His words were reassuring, but the fear in his eyes betrayed him.
“For now, the night runs are suspended,” the elder continued. “Everyone should return to their homes immediately.”
With that, the gathering slowly dispersed. I walked away, my mind racing with everything I’d just heard. My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice calling my name.
“Kimberly!” It was Liza, accompanied by Kaitlyn. They were walking toward me.
I wanted to ask them what had really happened in the woods, but I held back, not wanting to seem too anxious.
“Where are you going to sleep tonight?” Liza asked, looking at me curiously as we walked.
Her question caught me off guard. “Where else would I sleep but in the room I was given?” I replied, a bit confused.
Liza shrugged, looking a little sheepish. “I just thought you might be scared after everything that happened tonight and might not want to sleep alone.”
Her words were genuine, but I had replied too harshly. She was only trying to be kind, and I could see I had hurt her feelings.
“I’m sorry,” I said, touching her arm gently. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I guess I’m just overwhelmed with everything happening.” I forced a small smile. “What exactly did you see in the woods?”
Liza laughed, surprising me. Her sudden burst of laughter felt out of place, given the tension.
“Why are you laughing?” I asked, genuinely confused.
“I just knew you were a good person beneath that tough exterior!” she said, her laughter turning into a friendly smile. “I’m glad you’re talking to me now.”
I smiled back, but my curiosity remained. “So, what happened? Was it really as bad as Jefferson said?”
Liza nodded, her face growing more serious. “It was terrifying, honestly. Just like Jefferson said, the smoke was alive. We couldn’t fight it. We had to run. It’s why I asked where you were sleeping. None of us should be alone tonight.”
Her words made my heart race. I looked over at Kaitlyn, who had remained silent the whole time. She avoided eye contact, her eyes downcast as if she was too shy to speak.
“Is Kaitlyn okay?” I asked Liza, still looking at Kaitlyn. “She doesn’t say much.”
Liza sighed, giving Kaitlyn a sympathetic glance. “She’s been through a lot. She’s not ready to trust anyone yet, but she will, eventually.”
I wanted to know more, but I didn’t want to push. Instead, I followed them quietly as we headed back home. When we arrived, Liza and Kaitlyn went to their shared room, while I walked alone to mine.
As I neared my door, something strange happened.
“Kimberly, the breath of sunshine,” a deep, masculine voice called out from the darkness.
My blood ran cold, and before I could respond, I bolted into my room, slamming the door behind me. My heart was pounding as I leaned against the door, locking it tightly.
Fear gripped me. The voice had sent chills through my entire body. I didn’t know who it was, but they had called me by my name, a name that no one here should know.
‘Who was that? What does it mean?’ I thought, my mind racing. I felt goosebumps on my arms, and sleep seemed impossible as I sat there, terrified and filled with questions.