Even the wolves don’t come out at night because they’re afraid of what lives in the shadows: being banished here is a fate worse than death.

Yet here I am, treading through these dangerous woodlands all because of a stupid dare.

“There you go, guys! I did it!” On the narrow path, I make my way back to the end ge of the clearing, to the place shadows don’t dare to reach. The bright echos of my friends’ laughter cease to be heard as I realize they are nowhere to be found. “Hello? Taylor! Dakota!”

No answer. Silence is left to remain.

“Come on out! You’re not funny!”

A loud snap is heard. Not from the bushes or the dark undergrowth, but from below my foot. A small, plastic hair clip in the shape of a strawberry breaks beneath my weight. The shards of the cheap material scatter in the dry dirt.

My heart pounds in my chest as I cry, “Taylor! Dakota!”

I run further into the clearing, my knees ready to give way. Whispers slice through the air, speaking unintelligible words.

“Who’s there?”

The whispers continue.

Why did I have to play truth or dare? We could have done anything else, anything that wouldn’t risk putting innocent children in danger. My eyes dart every which way until I see two silhouettes standing in the distance as if waiting for someone.

“There you are! Didn’t you hear me calling you?”

No response. Not even a movement.

“Earth to Taylor and Dakota!”

They inch closer, revealing their true form. Nothing but shadow from head to toe. Chills run through me, constricting me of movement. Their bony claws slash through me, then pull out before I can blink.

The sight of my blood oozing onto the grass sends me into a dark unconsciousness.

I awaken to nothing.