My nerves are taunt as I walk through the forest. Every time I try to turn back, that invisible string tugs at me, urging me to keep going. After walking for a few more minutes, I finally come to a stop at the edge of the forest. A low growl comes from behind me and I whirl around, a snarl on my face.

Ross and Zach are in front of me, the former smirking. "Well, well, well," Ross says. "Look who decided to show up."

My blood turns to ice in my veins as a horrible realisation dawns on me. "You're the one who sent me that message? Why?" Ross smirks again before nodding at Zach.

He shoots me a pained glance before launching himself at me. It happens so fast, I don't have time to defend myself. My feet slip out from under me as I fall onto the ground.

I want to fight back, but he's too strong. Ross circles me, a cruel smile on his face. "Pity," he says. "You're just like your mother. Weak and alone." Something snaps inside of me as I hear those words.

A loud growl erupts from me, my body shuddering from the force of it. Zach and Ross both back away. I stare at them, hate in my gaze. "You don't know me very well at all, do you?" I ask. "If you did, you'd know I'm never alone." I clutch the necklace in my hand, closing my eyes, then hear a shimmering noise behind me.

Mom appears in front of me, her expression furious. "Get away from my daughter," she growls. Before I can blink, Zach grabs me, pinning both arms behind my back. I take a shaky breath as I glance at Mom. She takes a deep breath and I gasp as the necklace at my throat begins to glow. A few seconds later, she launches herself at Ross, pure fury in her gaze.

Ross snarls, but he's no match for Mom. A heartbeat later, I see the light leave his eyes as his chest rises and falls one last time. Zach glances between Mom and I before grabbing Ross's body and taking off at a run.

As soon as he leaves, I run to Mom's open arms, my entire body trembling.

A few minutes later, I walk home, my body exhausted. Even walking to my room drains my energy. Collapsing in bed, I toss and turn for hours before finally falling asleep. I wake up the next morning to my alarm clock blaring.

Turning it off, I get dressed, then walk downstairs, grabbing breakfast before heading to school. Tara greets me as I arrive at my locker, a smile on her face. It quickly fades as she looks at me. "You okay?"

I nod. "Yeah. Just didn't get much sleep last night." I open my locker and grab my books, heading to class. Paying attention in class is impossible.

I keep thinking about last night. My eyes widen as I frantically touch my throat, relaxing as I feel my necklace.

After school, I head home. Walking straight to my room, I dive into my homework. Hours later, I finally finish the last sheet of homework, then collapse on my bed. I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow.

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