Shadows of the Wild

By Ace Burton

"Shadows of the Wild" unfolds in the mystical embrace of an ancient forest, where shadows conceal forgotten enchantments and the very air hums with magic. When the village of Evergreen Hollow falls prey to an insidious curse, Caitlyn, a young and mysterious heroine, embarks on a perilous quest to break the malevolent spell after her sister falls

• Language: English
• Publisher: A. Love
• Release date: Mar 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869173157

Ace Burton

Ace Burton is a young author and artist who creates books and art pieces mainly for fun, but also to express his creative concepts.

Book preview

2

Into The Unknown

My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped into the forest, the world suddenly bathed in shadows and moonlight. The air was cold and crisp, the scent of pine and earth mingling with the smell of wood smoke from the village.

The forest was alive with the sounds of night, the calls of owls, and the rustle of leaves filling the air. The trees were tall and ancient, their branches twisted and gnarled, the path a narrow, winding trail.

As I ventured deeper into the forest, a sense of foreboding washed over me, the darkness pressing in around me.

I pushed the feeling aside, my gaze darting around as I tried to orient myself. The trees seemed to stretch endlessly, their branches reaching out like grasping fingers. The air was heavy and still, the scent of rotting leaves and damp earth hanging in the air.

I continued, following the faint light of the moon that filtered through the canopy. The path wound its way through the forest, the shadows growing deeper, the air colder.

I was suddenly struck by a strong sense of wrongness, a prickling sensation crawling along my skin. I stopped, taking a deep breath and trying to calm my racing heart.

I listened, straining my ears for any sign of danger. The forest was quiet, the only sounds were the occasional rustle of leaves and the hoot of an owl.

I shook off the feeling and continued, following the path deeper into the forest.

The darkness was all-consuming, the path seemingly endless. I couldn't help but think how foolish I was for thinking this was a good idea, that there was even a cure out here, but I knew I had no choice.

Suddenly, I came to a fork in the path. One way led deeper into the forest, the darkness even thicker, while the other led to a small clearing.

I paused, debating which way to go. The clearing looked inviting, the moonlight illuminating the small space, but the darkness beyond the trees beckoned, drawing me in.

I took a step towards the clearing and then paused. Something about the darkness seemed off.

It was too thick, too oppressive as if it were hiding something.

I hesitated, glancing between the two paths. Which way should I go?

Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, a chill running down my spine. I spun around, my eyes scanning the darkness, but I saw nothing.

Just as I was about to turn back to the clearing, a flash of movement caught my eye. I froze, my heart hammering in my chest, my gaze fixed on the shadows.

There was a rustling sound, followed by a low, menacing growl. My blood turned to ice as a creature emerged from the darkness, its form twisted and grotesque.

It was a hulking beast, its body covered in thick, matted fur, its eyes glowing with an eerie green light. Its muzzle was pulled back in a snarl, revealing sharp fangs and dripping drool.

The creature stalked towards me, its muscles rippling beneath its skin.

I took a step back, my hands shaking, my heart racing.

What are you doing out here, little human? the beast rumbled, its voice low and dangerous.

I... My voice trailed off as I stared at the creature, my mind racing.

Are you lost, perhaps? the creature rasped, a wicked grin spreading across its muzzle. Or are you simply a foolish adventurer, seeking out a quick death?

Neither, I managed, trying to sound brave despite the terror coursing through my veins.

The beast let out a low chuckle, its eyes narrowing.

We'll see about that, it growled, taking a step towards me.

Leave me alone! I shouted, backing away from the creature.

You have trespassed into my territory, little human, the creature snarled, its voice low and threatening. You have no right to make demands.

The beast lunged forward, its jaws snapping. I threw up my hands, a spark of magic bursting forth--I hadn't been able to successfully use magic yet in my studies, but I was certainly glad it'd worked then. The creature was knocked back, a startled look crossing its features.

I didn't wait, turning and sprinting back down the path, my heart pounding in my ears. I could hear the creature snarling and growling behind me, its footsteps thundering across the ground.

You can't escape me, little human, the beast called out, its voice echoing through the forest.

I didn't reply, my mind racing as I tried to come up with a plan. I could feel the creature's hot breath on the back of my neck, its foul scent filling the air.

Suddenly, a pile of rocks appeared on the path, and a thought popped into my mind.

I skidded to a halt, the creature's footsteps drawing closer.

What are you waiting for, little human? the beast rasped, its voice sending chills down my spine.

I spun around, my eyes locking with the creature.

Come and get me, I taunted, a grin tugging at my lips.

The creature let out a growl and lunged towards me, its jaws snapping. As the beast neared, I dove to the side, the creature crashing into the pile of rocks.

I scrambled to my feet, my gaze darting around, searching for a way to escape.

The creature roared in anger, its claws tearing into the ground. It turned to face me, its eyes burning with rage.

I had a few seconds at most, so I did the only thing I could think of--I turned and ran.

The creature snarled, its footsteps pounding behind me.

I ran faster, my heart hammering in my chest.

The path stretched on ahead of me, the darkness seeming endless. I could almost swear I felt the beast's breath on the back of my neck, its growls and snarls filling the air.

I pushed myself, my legs burning, and my lungs aching.

Just as I thought I couldn't run anymore, a small grove of glowing flowers appeared before