The darkness Within

Hours later Remi lay on the ground staring up at the ever-present fog. Thinking back on her harrowing escape she couldn help but chuckle at her hubris.

She had been so sure that she could make it back to the city, but the forest had other ideas. She had been lost for hours, and now she was stranded.

She was lucky to be alive. The creatures in the forest were unlike anything she had seen before. They were strange, half-formed creatures that seemed to exist in some kind of twilight. They had no eyes, only a gaping maw filled with razor-sharp teeth. Remi shivered at the memory. She had barely escaped the first two and had no idea how many more there were.

Remi had thought that she was safe after escaping the creatures, but then the fog descended. It had been thick, impenetrable. Causing her to feel like she was being suffocated. Her throat burned with every inhale. She had stumbled blindly through the fog, tripping over roots and fallen branches. No idea where she was going, and no idea if she was ever going to make it out. She had been so close to giving up, thinking of just laying down and letting the fog consume her. But, then she had seen a glimmer of light, just a tiny spark in the darkness. It had been enough to give her hope.

Following the light, going further and further into the woods, until she stumbled out of the fog into a clearing. She was still in the forest, but at least she could see the stars. Remi sat up, taking in her surroundings. The clearing was small, no more than a few feet across. The trees were tall and ancient, their trunks gnarled and twisted. The ground was soft and spongy beneath her, and there was a strange, musky smell in the air.

She had no idea where she was, or how far she was from the city. She had no idea what she was going to do next. She was lost, and alone. But she was alive. Remi got to her feet, brushing the dirt and leaves from her clothes. She looked around, trying to get her bearings. The only thing she could see was a faint path leading away from the clearing. It seemed to be the only way out, so she started walking. As she walked, Remi tried to make sense of what had happened. She had been so sure that she could make it to the city, but something had gone wrong. The creatures, the fog, the clearing. What was this place?

The path seemed to go on forever, winding through the trees. Remi had no idea how long she had been walking, but she was starting to get tired. Just as she was about to give up, she saw something in the distance. It looked like a building or at least the outline of a building.

She quickened her pace, pushing aside the branches and brambles that blocked her way. Finally, she stepped out of the trees and into a small clearing. In the center of the clearing was a ramshackle hut, its walls made of mud and straw. Light flickered from the windows, and Remi could smell the smoky scent of a fire. She walked closer, her heart pounded in her chest causing her to slip more and more into a sense of panic with every beat. She had no idea who lived here, or what they would do if they found her. But she was out of options. Having no idea where she was, or how to get back to the city. She was lost, and this hut was her only hope. Taking a deep breath, Remi stepped up to the door and knocked.

Gong a sound akin to a bell tower toll sounded out as Remi knocked on the door of the ramshackle hut. The sound reverberated in the clearing and shook her to the very bones. She stood there with bated breath, unsure of what to expect.

To her relief and horror, the door opened. A figure stepped out into the moonlit night. It was a middle-aged woman dressed in long, purple flowing robes. Her hair was white as snow and her eyes were the same deep blue as the sky. With delicate features and a slim figure, and she was absolutely beautiful. She eyed Remi with curiosity.

”Welcome, ” she said. ”What brings you here? ”

Remi hesitated. She had no idea who this woman was, or what she was. ”I…Im lost, ” she said finally.

The woman nodded and stood aside, gesturing for Remi to enter. ”Come in, ” she said. ”You look like you could use a hot meal and a warm fire. ”

Remi cautiously stepped into the humble hut, her eyes widening in wonderment at the inviting warmth that permeated the air. A crackling fire burned in the corner, casting a soft orange glow on the walls that were adorned with intricate tapestries. She was greeted by the woman, Dalia, who smiled warmly and gestured for her to take a seat by the fire.

Remi settled into the comfortable chair, feeling the warmth of the flames seep into her. Dalia handed her a bowl of steaming stew, which Remi eagerly accepted. She ate hungrily, relishing the flavor as the warm, savory broth spread throughout her body, filling her with a comforting feeling of contentment.

”What brings you to this place? ” Dalia asked.

Remi recounted the tale of her bravado, detailing how she had attacked the cruel and oppressive slave trader, and how she had had to flee for her life as a result. She described the fear she felt as she ran, and the danger she had placed herself in with her own overconfidence. Her story was a humbling reminder of how her own hubris, her own pride, had almost cost her everything.

Dalia listened intently, nodding her head in understanding. When Remi had finished, she smiled. ”You have had a fortunate encounter, ” she said. ”My hut may not look like much, but it is a safe haven. I can offer you shelter and guidance. I can help you find your way back to the city. ”

Remi thanked her, feeling a huge sense of relief wash over her. She had been so afraid, so lost. But now, she had hope.

”Rest here tonight, ” Dalia said. ”Tomorrow, we will begin your journey home. ”

Remi thanked her again and settled in for the night. She was safe, and she was going to make it home.

But little did she know, this fortunate encounter was about to turn into a horror. As Remi slept, Dalia left her hut, her white hair and blue eyes glowing in the night. She walked into the forest, her destination unknown. She had lured Remi here for a reason, and soon, Remi would find out the truth.