The crisp autumn breeze blew gently over the eery lake causing small waves to chop against the dock. In the summer, this lake teemed with life. Families constantly swimming, kayaking, and fishing at the popular Appalachian campground. Now, everything has changed. Two nights have passed since the first signs of evil descended this lake. Lynn knew the reason the birds were so quiet, the air foggy and dense with mist. It shocked her how drastic the change was from the typical experience at this lake. She had many fond memories jumping off this exact dock, competing with her brother to make the biggest cannon ball splash.

She walked to the edge of the dock, standing with both hands on the rickety ladder as she peered over the edge. Her reflection broke up and wained between the small waves, distorting her features. The dark depths below reeked of a new smell, sulfur. It had been two days since the incident happened. Six bodies had floated to the surface, bloated and water logged. Like they had been down there decomposing for months. The fish took bites from their skin, their clothes practically disintegrated off their blue and purple bodies. She had been the one to find them, floating in a perfect circle.

She blinked away the horrible memory, standing straight to survey the lake again. The police were investigating the phenomenon. Still, no leads. Not a single crumb of explanation for what happened here. But Lynn…Lynn knew what happened. She had dreamt it the night before without realize it was some type of vision. From who and why, she had no clue. But, something told her to visit the lake the next day. And when she did, she experienced the most life altering moment of her existence. Standing just beyond the other side of the lake was a shadowy figure. It’s body seemed to hover above the ground, a big dominant shadow with eyes glowing red. She had stood where she was, frozen in place as the firey red eyes bore into her own. She could not move, like its gaze froze her every muscle in place. All she could do was stand in fear, body shaking and quivering with adrenaline. And in an instant it was gone. She had collapsed to her knees on the dock, instantly throwing up. That’s when she had called the police. Yet, when they took her statement, she couldn’t bring herself to include that detail. Something in her gut told her not to. But now, as the mystery still has not unfolded, she would take matters into her own hands.

She had done research on what could possibly explain her experience. All she could find online was paranormal explanations. And that terrified her more than a serial killing man. How does one defeat a shadow figure? Elemental? Demon? All the descriptions she found led her to these options. None of which she liked. But, it was up to her to solve this case. After all, she was sent the vision or dream for a reason. She saw the creature for a reason. And she wouldn’t rest until she brought these innocent people to justice. Even if it costs her soul.