The skies feel superficial–too beautiful to be real. Golden beams pour through the clouds and whimpering wisps of dusk pervade the air. I stand above, surveying the vast landscape–my bloodied cardigan dances away in the mighty wind. My skin’s warmth is all but gone and my blood is turned to ice. 

Police officers and panicked locals flood my trail. A dead body is found clutched in mother nature's arms. Rotten skin and withered bones, his time has long passed. His face, once of perfection, is now forgotten to the world. The forest has claimed yet another soul.

“Where was his guardian angel?” I ask with a smirk. “Only those foolish enough to challenge the great Mother will perish beneath her Earthen rage.” 

The spirits correct me and say, “It is not about intention, but it is the interruption that infuriates Mother. Her words are not to be taken lightly,” they warn me. 

I laugh and tell the spirits off, saying “Please, spare me from the foreboding. I have seen it all. I have been to hell and back; and, I am not afraid of a puny forest.” 

The spirits eerily wish me on my way and leave me to explore the forest. I am left to be consumed in the darkness and how quickly I am lost. I spark a torch and discover my way through the shadows. I see red eyes peering through the black ink engulfing my vision; and, with a roar, my light is snuffed–my life is gone.