I once thought it was all a dream. That the giant spectral dog was not real and only a figment of me and my aunt's imagination. Or simply a trick of the mind to rationalize my aunt's death.

It only made sense since my uncle had not seen it's chains that had kept my aunt in place slowly unwrapping themselves as she lay dying, whispering of the beast.

But, tonight I found myself in another dream. One I'd but recently began to have. The rain pouring as thunder echoed in my ears and lightning flashed. Water pooling about my feet as I walked through our family estate. The clanking chains from far up ahead drawing me to the old lamppost before the forest.

Only, this time he wasn't there, his presence that seemed to loom over the forest and its surroundings gone. I laughed, however, my fear never waned as my heart picked up.

It was odd, I'd never felt true fear in my dreams, my heart shouldn't be pounding, my palms shouldn't sweat. Was this even a dream?

I readied to turn, a small weary breath leaving my lips as my gut wrenched. My eyes instantly locking with big glowing red ones as the shadow dog appeared. Snarling and snapping as the chains rose up and slammed against the ground.

I should have run but, my feet remained, glued in place. Shakily my hand reached over to pinch my arm. Tears welling up in my eyes as I realized it was real. That I would die soon.

The ghost charged forward, it's mist-like body sending me flying into a tree. A sickening crunch echoing through my ears as my vision blurred and my uncles shouts became louder.

"It was all... real," I breathed as the black dog vanished.

~~~~

[A/N]

I posted it in the comments section of the contest but figured I'd post it in my short story book too.