"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." -James Baldwin

The forest surrounded me, an oppressive presence in the cool air that sent shivers down my spine. Towering trees loomed overhead, their twisted branches weaving an intricate tapestry that cast long, ominous shadows on the ground. The wind stirred the leaves, producing a low, mournful sound that echoed throughout the woods, as if the very forest were lamenting something lost. Shadows clung to the trunks, shifting and moving in unsettling ways, making it feel as though they were aware of my presence and were watching me.

A surge of fear ignited within me, a primal instinct that screamed for me to escape. I knew I needed to get away—my instincts urged me to run. But why was I so afraid? This was just a forest in New York, not some haunted wilderness filled with danger. I tried to convince myself I was safe, but before I could fully grasp the situation, my feet had already begun to move.

I found myself running, propelled by an invisible force, driven by a desperate need to distance myself from the looming shadows. The pounding of my heart drowned out the sounds around me as I sprinted into the unknown, not knowing where I was headed or what awaited me. Each frantic stride felt more desperate than the last, as if the very forest was closing in on me, trying to ensnare me in its grasp.

As I sprinted, the path widened, and I soon burst into a clearing. The grass here was tall and wild, swaying softly in the breeze, brushing against my legs as if welcoming me. In the center of this open space lay a pond, its surface dark and murky, bordered by jagged rocks and peculiar flowers that glowed faintly blue in the dim light. The sight was both enchanting and eerie, a juxtaposition that sent a thrill of uncertainty through me.

Suddenly, the urgency to escape faded, replaced by an unexpected sense of calm that washed over me like a gentle tide. It felt as though I had stumbled into a sanctuary, a hidden haven amidst the chaos of the forest. My feet moved of their own accord, guiding me closer to the pond, drawn by an inexplicable connection to the water. As I approached, I noticed the way the surface began to ripple gently, as if responding to my presence, inviting me to come closer.

I lowered myself toward it, reaching out with tentative fingers to touch the surface. The moment my fingertips grazed the water, the ripples intensified, transforming the murky depths into a brilliant blue that illuminated the area around me, casting a soft glow that dispelled the remaining shadows.

I was captivated, completely drawn in by the mesmerizing display. Time seemed to stretch as I stared into the water, the vibrant hues swirling and dancing, waiting for something significant to happen. My heart, which had raced with fear moments before, now settled into a rhythm of anticipation.

Then, without warning, the rippling stopped altogether. A wave of trepidation washed over me, and I felt a pull to retreat, to step back from whatever was rising from the depths. Yet I remained frozen, caught between fear and an insatiable curiosity that anchored me in place.

A figure began to emerge from the water, and as they surfaced, I found myself staring into depths of pale blue eyes. A man. He was strikingly handsome, with skin that glistened and features that seemed almost sculpted from marble. His presence radiated an otherworldly charm, and I found it hard to look away.

His eyes widened as they locked onto mine, and for a moment, we were both stunned, caught in a shared gaze that felt charged with unspoken energy. The world around us faded into a blur, and the air felt thick with tension. Then, without warning, he moved closer, his body gliding through the water until he was just inches from me. I remained still, overwhelmed by a mix of awe and fear, my breath caught in my throat.

"Who are you?" His voice was deep and husky, resonating with a warmth that sent shivers cascading down my spine. I opened my mouth to respond, to utter something—anything—but the words wouldn't come, trapped in the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

His brows furrowed as he studied me, confusion and curiosity evident on his face. He reached out, his hand hovering near my cheek, and I felt the warmth radiating from his skin, a promise of connection. But just as he was about to touch me, everything around me faded into darkness. 

 I shot up from bed, sweat spilling down my trembling body like a cold rain. My hair, damp and heavy, was plastered against my neck. It was a dream—a strange dream that wrapped around my mind like a suffocating fog.

I shivered, the same fear I felt in that dream reigniting at the thought of those sinister, oppressive shadows that had loomed over me in that forest.

I had to hand it to my imagination; it had conjured a vivid nightmare that felt all too real. And then there was him—the man from my dream, an ethereal figure. He was God-like in his perfection, but I knew better; he was just a fictional creation, a product of my lonely mind.

Maybe Skylar was right. Maybe I really did need to start going on dates, to seek out real connections instead of escaping into the world of dreams.

With a groan, I turned over and reached for my phone on the nightstand. The screen flickered to life, casting a harsh glow that illuminated my small room. The time read six in the morning, the hour too late to linger in the comfort of my bed.

Reluctantly, I rolled out of bed, my feet meeting the cool floor as I made my way toward the bathroom adjacent to my room. But as I took a step, I paused, confusion washing over me. Thick mud was caked around my bare feet. My brows furrowed in disbelief. How the hell did I get mud all over my feet? I glanced back at my bed, the sheets strangely immaculate, as though the mud was never able to touch them.

A wave of anxiety burned its way up my throat, and I hastily checked my door, half-expecting it to be ajar from some wild night of sleepwalking. But there it stood, locked tight, the chain in place. I shook my head, struggling to dismiss the gnawing unease that clawed at my insides. I took measured deep breaths, forcing myself to ignore the unsettling feeling and continued to the bathroom to wash up.

No better way to get through my life than ignore all my problems and pretend everything was normal. My curse for one made sure I never had a normal day in my life. This strange mud was no different.

My morning routine was a blur. I took a quick shower, the cool water cascading over my skin, washing away the remnants of the night and the lingering dread. I applied concealer to mask the evidence of my restless night and brushed my teeth, the minty freshness a small comfort amid my anxiety.

I tied my waist-length blonde hair into a haphazard bun, glancing at my reflection—a plain, unremarkable girl staring back at me. I didn't have the patience to try any harder. Skylar was the pretty one, the one who turned heads, and I was more than happy to remain in her shadow.

Dressed in a long-sleeved gray shirt that hung loosely on my frame and black jeans that felt like a second skin, I grabbed my jacket and hastily made my way to the dining hall. As I stepped outside the dorm building, the crisp morning air hit my face, an invigorating contrast to the warmth of the building. I fished my phone from my pocket and shot Skylar a quick message, asking her to meet me after my first class, which started in about an hour.

Just as I hit send, I crashed into a solid chest, stumbling back and nearly falling to the ground before strong hands shot out to steady me. My breath caught in my throat as I looked up, locking eyes with him—emerald, green eyes that sparkled with an intensity that stole my breath away. He was outrageously attractive. Perfectly symmetrical features, a strong Roman nose, and slanted eyes that oozed charisma.

I was almost appalled that I hadn't noticed him before. I mean, who could possibly overlook someone like him?

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice a melodic blend of concern and something deeper, a sound that sent shivers down my spine.

I nodded, unable to form words, and ducked my head, feeling heat flood my cheeks as I sidestepped the gorgeous stranger. I was too awkward, and frankly too messed up right now to engage with someone like him. But just as I thought I could slip away, his hand shot out, gripping my forearm and effectively halting my retreat.

I turned back, confusion swirling in my mind. Did he expect me to thank him? I mean, I had bumped into him, but it wasn't entirely my fault—he wasn't exactly watching where he was going either.

"Do I know you?" His eyes roamed my face, searching for recognition as if I were a puzzle he needed to solve.

"Unlikely." I forced my voice to sound monotone, though inside I felt utterly shaken. His touch felt electric, tingling against my skin in a way that was both unnerving and strangely pleasant. I shook his grip off, a wave of discomfort washing over me.

His cheeks flushed crimson, and I could see the realization dawn on him that he had just grabbed a random girl. But then, something shifted in his expression, and his nostrils flared as he took a step closer, an intensity radiating from him that made me instinctively take a step back.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice now edged with a dangerous undertone.

"What do you mean?" My voice trembled, fear creeping into my tone as I tried to maintain some semblance of composure.

His eyes widened, and he took a step back, jaw slack in surprise before he lunged forward again, closing the distance between us. Panic surged through me. "Dude, leave me alone!" I shouted, backing away, but he was relentless.

What was wrong with him? Did he not understand how to have a normal conversation?

I backed away further, fear skittering down my spine like ice cubes. "Seriously, fuck off, dude." I turned to run, but he was fast, grabbing my wrist once more.

Why was there no one else on this sidewalk? Why was I cursed with the worst luck? If this gorgeous yet menacing guy kidnapped me, I'd surely believe the universe had it out for me.

He tightened his grip, spinning me to face him. "You need to come with me, girl."

I scoffed, the word "girl" dripping with condescension. What the actual hell was wrong with him?

"I will scream bloody murder if you don't let me go."

He clenched his jaw, frustration radiating from him. "If you do that, I will have to make you stop. And I really don't want to have to do that."

My stomach churned at the implication. This man was a threat, and every instinct screamed at me to get away.

Before I could react, he clamped a hand over my mouth and shoved me toward the side of the building, forcing me behind a tree. I thrashed against him, desperation fueling my struggle, even managing to stomp on his shin with all my strength. But he was too strong, too overpowering, and he slammed my back against the rough bark of a tree, invading my space with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

His breath brushed my ear as he whispered, "I'm going to remove my hand. If you scream, I will knock you out. Nod if you understand."

I nodded slowly, tears welling in my eyes as fear gripped me tightly.

"Good," he said, lowering his hand just enough for me to catch my breath, though his presence was still suffocating.

"What do you want from me?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper, shaken and terrified. My heart raced, pounding so loudly I was certain he could hear it too.

"I want you to listen closely, girl. You are going to get yourself killed if you don't come with me. There are creatures here that would love nothing more than to eat you, very slowly. Unfortunately, I cannot force you through the gate, but I can make you follow me. So, if you want to live, you need to let me get you through the gate."

"You're--you're crazy. Please just leave me alone. I won't call the cops. I won't tell anyone. Just let me go."

A frustrated groan escaped him as I slapped his hand away, my strength surprising even myself. "Fucking mortals," he muttered, irritation seeping into his tone.

He grabbed my face again, his grip rough yet somehow desperate, searching my eyes as if trying to convey the gravity of his words. "You will follow me. You will walk through the gate."

I pushed against his chest, fighting against the overwhelming sense of dread that enveloped me. His eyes widened at my defiance, but why should he be surprised? He had cornered me like an animal and was demanding my compliance.

"LET ME GO!" I screamed, shoving him with all my strength. He stumbled back, as if burned, and I seized the moment, darting away from him.

I ran, my legs pumping faster and faster until I burst into the dining hall, heart pounding, breathless, and terrified. My mind reeled from the encounter that felt like a surreal blend of reality and nightmare, the weight of his words echoing in my thoughts.

What in God's name was "the gate," and why did I suddenly feel this overwhelming urge to march back over to that creep and follow him? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I shook my head, trying to dispel the impulse. I forced myself to smooth my expression and put on a mask of calm as I navigated the bustling dining hall.

I skipped the hot food lining the wall—its savory aroma wafting through the air—and opted instead for a breakfast bar and a steaming cup of coffee, paying at the kiosk with a quick swipe of my card. The dining hall was scattered with students, but no one I recognized stood out in the crowd. I felt a wave of unease wash over me as I glanced toward the entrance, where I feared the creep might still be lingering. Not wanting to put myself in that situation again, I hurried to the back door and jogged toward the literary building where my next class was scheduled.

Once I slipped into the lecture hall, slowly filling with students, I settled into my seat and forced myself to eat my breakfast. The food felt like a dull weight in my stomach, and I was far more preoccupied with the morning's unsettling encounter than with the impending class.

The lecture began as the professor walked in, his voice droning on about the intricacies of literary theory. But the words washed over me like water over stone, leaving no impression on my mind. I knew I would regret not paying attention when exams rolled around, but right then, I couldn't muster the energy to care. My thoughts were too tangled in the memory of that man, the threat he posed looming larger than any homework assignment.

Finally, the class was dismissed, and I pulled out my phone, quickly dialing Skylar. I confirmed our meeting at the coffee shop just off campus. It took me only fifteen minutes to reach Java Lava, a cringe-worthy named café that somehow served the best coffee in town. As I pushed open the door, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, my eyes immediately scanning the room. There she was—Skylar, her vibrant red hair a beacon among the sea of customers, easy to spot even in the thickest of crowds.

I beelined toward her and slumped into the seat across from her. Upon seeing me, Skylar straightened, her baby-blue eyes narrowing as they zeroed in on my expression. "What happened to you?" she asked, concern etching itself into her features.

I groaned and practically slammed my forehead onto the wooden table. "Have I ever told you I attract crazy people and that I have the worst luck?"

Sky let out a laugh, her voice lightening the heaviness in the air. "You don't have to tell me. I've known you for, what, seven years? It's painfully obvious."

I snorted in agreement, feeling a touch of warmth in my chest despite the morning's events.

"But as your life is always my favorite piece of drama, tell me what happened this time."

I forced myself to lift my head and meet her gaze. "I bumped into this stupidly attractive guy. He saved me from falling on my ass, which was great. I was thinking, 'Wow, maybe I might take your advice finally, you know, on asking people out? But then it turns out the guy was a creep—he grabbed me by force, shoved me against a tree and threatened me. I swear, Sky, I was about to be kidnapped!" My voice broke off as the memory flashed through my mind.

Skylar stared at me for a long moment, her full lips parted in disbelief. "Dude, you should call campus security. That's not even funny."

I rolled my eyes, dismissing her concern. "I got away. I don't want to deal with talking to them just for nothing to happen."

I seriously doubted they'd find the guy, let alone do anything about it if they did.

Sky huffed out an annoyed breath. "Kaelynn, you need to stop brushing things like that off. I mean, I know you can handle it, but this isn't the first time you've refused to ask for help when stuff like this happens. I worry about you."

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I love you, Sky, and I know you mean well, but I don't want to deal with it. It's just my bad luck."

Skylar lightly smacked my arm, her frustration evident. She didn't understand why I refused to involve the authorities. I would never tell anyone the reason why, not even Sky. Even the thought of those memories sent fear racing through me.

"Whatever, you're a lost cause with that. Well, on a brighter note, the group is free tonight, so we're going to hit the clubs. And before you turn me down, you're coming, and I don't want to hear a complaint from you."

"Noooo," I whined, my protest half-hearted.

Skylar narrowed her eyes, her lips flattening into a straight line. "Kaelynn Rebecca Barker, I will drag you there if I have to. You need to socialize. You need to let loose. Even if you don't drink, you can still have fun."

I tapped the table, trying to think of an excuse that might convince her, but I came up empty. I tilted my head toward the ceiling, letting out a defeated grunt. "Fine, yes."

Skylar's smile was so bright it almost hurt to look at her.

We talked for an hour, the conversation flowing as she excitedly told me about the new guy she was into. I listened dutifully, doing my best to push aside thoughts of the morning's incident.

As midday approached, we parted ways, and I made my way to my final class of the day, knowing I had missed an assignment. I shrugged it off, planning to finish it over the weekend.

After class, I hurried back to my room, thankfully managing to avoid any more encounters with creeps. Once I was settled on my bed, I plugged in my headphones and let the calming sound of Aurora's voice envelop me. "Runaway" was my favorite song, and I could listen to it on repeat without growing tired of it.

A few hours later, my phone pinged, and I saw Skylar's name flashing on the screen.

**Skylar: ** We leave in an hour. Get your ass dressed and here in thirty, or I'm coming to beat your ass.

Knowing Sky, I knew that wasn't some empty threat. I groaned, turning off my music before rolling off the bed and heading toward my closet. I pulled out a sheer black top and grabbed a black lace bralette, deciding my jeans were fine for the occasion. I forced my feet into three-inch booties and applied light makeup, trying to make myself feel a bit more put together. I let my hair down from its bun, styling it into a half-up, half-down look.

I studied my reflection in the mirror, shrugging at the result. I looked fine—I was never going to have the sex appeal most girls my age had, and I've grown to accept that.

Grabbing my phone and wallet, I quickly typed a response back to Skylar.

**Kaelynn: ** I'm on my way.

I made my way to Skylar's room, which was just a floor above mine. When I knocked, she opened the door, looking like a bombshell. Her red hair was perfectly curled, framing her face, and her blue eyes were accentuated with black eyeliner. Her long lashes fluttered as she blinked, and her lips were painted a deep red that matched her tight-fitting dress.

I almost rolled my eyes—of course, she went all out.

Skylar looked me over with a smirk. "Do you own any color?"

I snorted, shoving past her. "You know I don't."

She closed the door and joined me, holding a half-empty bottle of tequila. "The gang will be ready downstairs in five. Want a shot while I get my shoes on?"

I eyed the bottle, contemplating whether a drink would help me survive the night. Maybe if I drank, I wouldn't feel so anxious. I shrugged and grabbed the bottle, taking a swig. The liquor burned my throat, and I scrunched my nose in disgust. How anyone could drink this stuff daily was beyond me.

Skylar snorted at my expression. "Don't be a baby, Kae."

I rolled my eyes, wiping my mouth. "That stuff is disgusting, and you know it."

"Yes, but the effects are what we care about."

I hummed in agreement as she slipped on a pair of black heels from her closet. Skylar was already tall, and with her four-inch heels, she towered over me at well over six feet. I stood at five-six with my heels, feeling small in comparison.

After scrutinizing her appearance in the mirror for a solid minute, she nodded in satisfaction, and we headed downstairs together.

The "gang," as Skylar referred to them, was already assembled. There were two more girls and three guys she was friends with. I knew them and chatted with them occasionally, but I wouldn't consider any of them my close friends. Jaxson and Mason were decent guys, good-looking but not particularly interesting. Derik was an outright jerk, and I tried my best to avoid him. Taylor and Jessica were social butterflies, much like Skylar, and I appreciated their energy but never made the effort to really get to know them.

We exchanged hellos as we made our way toward the club, which was only a few blocks from campus, the crisp night air nipping at my skin as we walked.

Jaxson saddled up to me with a bright smile, his hazel eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. "I'm glad Skylar got you to join us," he said, his voice cheerful and inviting.

"Like I had a choice," I replied, rolling my eyes playfully. "I'm pretty sure she would have dragged me along kicking and screaming if I even tried to stay home."

Jaxson laughed, the sound light and contagious as he pushed his light brown hair out of his eyes, revealing a boyish charm. "True, true. Hey, I was actually wondering if maybe you'd like to get coffee with me sometime?"

I looked at him, my brows furrowing in confusion. "Why?"

His cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and he looked away, shrugging as if the question embarrassed him. "I think you're cool and want to hang out."

I couldn't help but laugh at that. It felt more like he was trying to get to Skylar through me—a familiar pattern I'd seen too many times before. "I mean, sure, but if this is about Sky, then just talk to her."

He frowned, his expression shifting to one of genuine confusion. "What does this have to do with Skylar?"

I stared at him, my mind racing. I'd known Jaxson for about a year now; why would he suddenly want to "hang"?

"Don't you have a crush on her or something?"

He looked at me as If I'd grown two heads, disbelief written all over his face. Behind me, I heard Derik snort, and I quickly shot him a glare to silence him. "Uh, no, Kaelynn. I don't have a 'crush' on Skylar. That girl scares me. I thought maybe we could hang out and get to know each other better."

His face was definitely flushed now, a bright red that spread across his cheeks, and it finally clicked for me. My stomach churned at the realization. This was why I didn't date—the thought of being with someone romantically made my skin crawl.

How could I say no without hurting his feelings? Would Skylar get mad at me if I turned him down?

I glanced toward Skylar as she led the group, her hips swaying rhythmically as she animatedly chatted with Taylor, laughter spilling from her lips. I bit my lip, mulling it over. The last thing I wanted was to upset my best friend.

Turning back to Jaxson, I forced a smile. "Sure, we can get coffee. How does Sunday sound?"

The moment the words left my mouth, Jaxson's face lit up, his eyes sparkling like stars. "That works for me!"

I nodded, pleased with myself for making the decision, and quickly sped up to stand by Skylar. I feigned interest in her conversation with Taylor, trying to latch onto their chatter about some rave happening that weekend.

As we neared the club, a strange feeling of fear crept up my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice. I instinctively looked around the street, hoping to catch a glimpse of someone watching me. The shadows cast by the streetlights seemed to stretch and twist, dark alleyways appearing almost sinister and unnatural.

A shiver trailed down my spine, and I swallowed the lump in my throat, desperate to ignore it. I just needed to get to the club, to drink and let loose.