Feral

By Aaron Abilene

A group of hikers are hunted by feral people while trying trapped in a cave system.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Abilene
• Release date: Aug 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215845950

Book preview

Feral

Aaron Abilene

Published by Aaron Abilene, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

FERAL

First edition. August 11, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8215845950

Written by Aaron Abilene.

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Title Page

Copyright Page

Feral

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Feral

Written by Aaron Abilene

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With each crunching step, Devon Walker led his group of eager hikers through the dense forest. The air was heavy with the metallic scent of lingering blood and decay that clung to the damp earth. Shadows danced upon gnarled trees as if they were grasping out for human flesh. The sun, a faint glimmer in the sky, cast an eerie glow over the scene.

Over here, Devon called out, his voice echoing through the twisted branches, you'll see the deadly nightshade. Its berries may look tempting, but they're highly poisonous.

The hikers, a motley crew of thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts, gathered around him, their eyes wide with morbid fascination. Among them was Natalie Price, a skilled hunter who had chosen to follow Devon into the heart of darkness. Her calculating gaze scanned their surroundings, ever watchful for unseen threats.

As Devon continued to point out various flora and fauna, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of exhilaration. This wasn't just another hike; it was a journey into the macabre depths of the wild, where danger lurked around every corner. He thrived on the adrenaline that coursed through his veins, urging him deeper into the forest's sinister embrace.

Listen, he said, holding up a hand for silence. The hikers obeyed, straining their ears to catch the faint rustling of leaves and distant howls of unknown creatures. This is what it means to be truly alive – to face your fears head-on and embrace the darkness within.

Natalie nodded in agreement, her own heart pounding with anticipation. She longed to test her survival skills against the merciless forces of nature, to prove that she could not only survive but thrive in this desolate landscape.

Devon, she whispered, her voice barely audible above the wind's mournful sighs, I've never felt more alive than I do right now.

Neither have I, Devon admitted, his eyes locked on the path ahead. The thrill of the unknown called to him like a siren's song, daring him to venture further and discover the terrible secrets that lay hidden within the forest's depths.

Stay close, everyone, he warned, his voice tinged with an edge of excitement. We're entering the heart of darkness now, and there's no telling what horrors await us on this twisted path.

The hikers exchanged nervous glances, their fear palpable in the oppressive air. But still, they followed, drawn by the irresistible allure of danger and the promise of unparalleled adventure. And as they plunged deeper into the abyss, their hearts beat in unison - a thunderous symphony heralding their descent into madness.

––––––––

The dense forest canopy above cast eerie shadows on the ground, each twisted branch reaching out like skeletal fingers. Devon Walker led the hikers through this macabre landscape, undaunted by the oppressive atmosphere. He paused, crouching down to examine a series of tracks partially obscured by fallen leaves.

Take a look at these, Devon called to the group, his voice a low rumble that barely pierced the unnatural silence. The hikers gathered around, their faces pale and drawn as they stared down at the imprints in the dirt.

Deer tracks, he explained, tracing the outline with a gloved finger. Still fresh. We should be cautious; predators might be lurking nearby, drawn by the scent of prey.

Lucas Montgomery stepped closer, peering at the tracks with a predatory gleam in his eyes. Looks like we're not the only ones hunting tonight, he murmured, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

Indeed, Devon agreed, rising to his feet. But we must focus on our own survival, not the fate of the deer. Stay vigilant and stay together.

Sarah, a petite woman with wide, frightened eyes, clutched her backpack straps tightly. I'm afraid of getting lost, she admitted, her voice trembling. This place... it feels alive, like it wants to swallow us whole.

Your fear is understandable, Devon said, placing a reassuring hand on Sarah's shoulder. But trust in my experience and knowledge of these woods. I won't let anything happen to you or anyone else in this group.

Sarah nodded, attempting a brave smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. They continued their trek, the darkness pressing in around them like a suffocating shroud.

Here, let me show you how to read the terrain, Devon offered, pointing out landmarks and natural markers that could guide their path. You'll feel more secure knowing the land speaks to you, even in a place like this.

Thank you, Sarah whispered, her eyes darting between Devon and the markers, determined to learn from him.

As they moved deeper into the heart of darkness, the air grew colder and damp, carrying with it the scent of decay. The wind howled through the trees, shaking loose dead leaves that danced like ghosts in the moonlight.

Remember, Devon said, his voice barely audible above the wind, we're in control of our own destinies out here. We must rely on our instincts and trust in each other to survive.

The hikers nodded, their expressions grim but resolute as they continued their descent into the nightmare that awaited them. And though fear gnawed at the edges of their minds, threatening to consume them entirely, they pressed on – united by the belief that Devon Walker would lead them safely through the horrors lurking in the shadows.

The forest seemed to close in around them as they trudged through the underbrush, the only sounds being their own labored breathing and the eerie creaking of ancient trees. Devon called for a halt, his hand raised, the darkness clinging to him like a second skin.

Alright, everyone, he rasped, the cold air burning his lungs. Gather 'round.

The hikers huddled together, shivering as their breaths formed ghostly clouds in the frosty air. Devon removed the compass and map from his backpack, his fingers trembling with more than just the cold.

Listen carefully, he instructed, his voice a low growl. In these woods, your life depends on your ability to navigate. I'm going to teach you how to use this compass and read this map. Pay attention.

He demonstrated the proper way to hold the compass, highlighted the key features of the map, and explained the importance of magnetic declination. The hikers leaned in, eyes wide, their fear momentarily forgotten as they absorbed the crucial knowledge.

Remember, Devon warned, his voice dripping with menace, self-reliance is everything out here. You can't trust anyone but yourself.

As if on cue, a haunting scream echoed through the woods, setting their nerves on edge once more. Shuddering, they continued along the treacherous path, each step taking them deeper into the abyss.

Soon, they reached a clearing that housed a picturesque waterfall, its waters cascading down over jagged rocks, shimmering like diamonds in the dying light. The beauty of the scene stood in stark contrast to the oppressive darkness surrounding them.

Take a break, Devon said gruffly, his eyes never leaving the treeline. We'll resume in ten minutes.

The group settled near the water's edge, their eyes darting nervously between the hypnotic flow of the waterfall and the inky blackness beyond. Devon stared into the waterfall, feeling its cold mist on his face, and memories of a time when nature had been his sanctuary, not his prison, flooded his mind.

Once, he began, his voice barely audible over the roar of the water, I came across a wounded fawn while hiking through these woods. She was lying in a pool of blood, her leg twisted unnaturally, and I knew she wouldn't survive long like that.

The group listened, captivated by the raw emotion in his voice.

I stayed with her for hours, he continued, his eyes haunted, whispering words of comfort and stroking her soft fur until she finally passed. In that moment, I realized how fragile life truly is, even in the heart of nature's splendor.

He paused, swallowing hard. That's why I have devoted my life to understanding and preserving this wilderness – because it is both merciless and breathtaking, capable of unspeakable horrors and unimaginable beauty.

The hikers exchanged somber glances, the weight of Devon's words settling upon them like a heavy shroud. They knew now that their journey would be fraught with danger, but also with the possibility of self-discovery – if only they could survive the night.

––––––––

In the dim light filtered through the gnarled branches overhead, the group pressed onward, surrounded by an eerie silence broken only by their own labored breathing and the occasional rustle of leaves. Devon's thoughts churned with the memory of the dying fawn, wondering what other horrors awaited them in this merciless wilderness.

Look, he whispered, his voice barely audible as he pointed upward.

The group followed his gaze to a dark shape perched precariously on a twisted branch above them. It was a bird; its feathers black as midnight, eyes like blood-soaked rubies. The sight of it sent chills down their spines.

Remarkable, Devon said, awe lacing his words. It's a crimson-eyed corvid – extremely rare. They're said to be harbingers of doom for those who cross their path.

The hikers exchanged uneasy glances, feeling the weight of the bird's piercing gaze upon them. Even so, they couldn't help but share in Devon's enthusiasm, the gruesome beauty of the creature filling them with a morbid fascination.

Are we cursed now? Sarah asked nervously, her knuckles white as she clutched her backpack strap.

Only if you believe in such things, Devon replied, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. I, for one, see it as a reminder of nature's darker aspects – a sobering contrast to the waterfall's beauty.

Mark, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair, frowned, his gaze fixed on the narrow path that wound its way through the dense undergrowth.

Devon, he said hesitantly, are you sure we should continue down this trail? It seems... foreboding.

Trust me, Mark, Devon replied, his tone steady and reassuring. I've walked these woods for years, and I know them like the back of my hand. The path may be treacherous, but it's the quickest route to our destination.

Besides, he added, his eyes flitting back to the crimson-eyed corvid, it's not the path that should scare you – it's what lurks in the shadows beyond.

Mark swallowed hard, his face pale, but he nodded reluctantly, trusting Devon's judgment. The group moved forward, their footsteps muffled by the damp earth beneath them.

As they walked, Devon couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, followed by unseen predators lurking just beyond the reach of their vision. He tightened his grip on his knife, the cold steel a comforting reminder of his