WHISPERING WINDS OF DANGER

The sound of the rain pouring on the carriage top echoed throughout the dark forest of Daxdahl, making everything seem like a scene from a nightmare. A cold breeze blew in from outside and sent small particles of dust inside. A flash of lightning illuminated the path outside illuminating the surrounding trees for a brief moment, thunder sounded so

loud that anyone could hear it and even the horses whinnied in fright.

The horses were nervous, but fortunately, the carriage driver didn't even bother.

Serena woke up to a blistering wind of cold and harsh sand particles swirling around the blackness and the darkness of the night.

Her body jerked from the intense chill of the air causing her to groan in pain.

"Where am I?" was the question she asked herself before trying to regain her memory. So many images Crossing her head till she finally remembered her last encounter with Prince Adrian and immediately she tilted up in fear, it was then reality struck her but the very question she couldn't answer "How did I get here?".

"Stay calm, we're almost there" a voice spoke and she lifted her gaze to see where it came from, the driver's face was hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat. Panic sets in as she realizes she's in the middle of nowhere with a no-face driver.

" Please take me back home"

"Please... I beg you...."

"I don't want to go with you please...." Serena pleaded with everything in her.

When it struck her that her pleas were hitting deaf ears, her mind raced to routes of escape.

Desperately searching for answers and a way to escape this bewildering situation. She discreetly scans the chariot, her eyes darting from corner to corner, searching for any clue or opportunity. The thunderous weather outside only adds to her sense of urgency.

Every creak of the chariot, every flash of lightning, intensifies her desire to break free. Thoughts of escape consume her mind as she contemplates her options. Should she confront the driver? and probably hold to his neck till he slumps? Should she wait for a moment of distraction? The possibilities swirl in her head, each one carrying its risks and uncertainties.

The heavy rain grew stronger and the thunders blew mightily as if telling her to act now, her determination grows stronger. She knows she must find a way out of here if she still wishes to survive.

As the storm rages on, she gathers her courage, ready to seize any opportunity that presents itself. The chariot hurtles forward, its wheels pounding against the wet ground as it hits a huge stone, the thunder strikes the horses immediately and the driver loses its reins and falls off to the ground.

Serena immediately ran out of the chariot and kept to her heels, the rain was beating hard on her skin, soaking her clothes and hair, and the wind gusts tore at her exposed skin. The rustling thunder blew again illuminating her pale skin and wet pink lips. She turned to her left and right but could only see bushes and tall trees. Daxdah forest holds a talea true taleternal legend, it's learned that deep in the heart of Daxdah, there's a vampire coven, and these blood-sucking creatures lurk in the shadows and prey on humans. It's said that an ancient curse has befallen the forest, turning it into a realm of darkness and despair.

The trees whisper eerie secrets, and ghostly apparitions emerge from the shadows. These restless spirits are trapped in the forest, and Korah the gatekeeper feeds immensely on any trespasser.

Anyone who ventures too deep into the woods becomes lost in an eternal maze, and after being feasted upon, their cries echo through the night for freedom but every cry is suffocating, as if unseen hands are tightening around your throat. Daxdah is where nightmares come to life, and sanity hangs by a thread.

The wind whipped around her, the rain pelted her skin and she felt her clothing and hair getting ripped away.

"Help me!!" Serena cried.

She didn't know who she was calling on but she needed anything to take her away from here. Even death??

"Please... Help me" These were the only words on her lips and at this point, she gained enough valor to venture deeper into the mist.

"Serena.... how I've waited for you for so long!" A deep booming voice roared from the trees and Serena froze in terror.

If only she knew that each step only brought her to her very own demise she'd not have taken this decision.

"Who .... who ..... and what are you?" she spoke softly with fear in her eyes.

"SILENCE" the order came this time around from behind her.

An icy hand clutched her ankle causing her to slip to the wet ground as a powerful gust of wind rushed past her and knocked her to the side. With one quick motion, the hand grabbed her by the throat and dragged her into the darkness, a hand clasped over her mouth as if she was about to scream and the next thing she saw was herself being tied to a tree.

"Do you know who you are??" The unseen voice questioned.

Fear paralyzed her entire frame, her breath hitched in her throat as fear and terror consumed her insides. Her legs refused to move and her eyes stared fixedly ahead.

"You..... I'm here because of you, sucked here all because of you, and now that I have, do you think I'll just let you walk freely under my nose?" he roared in anger.

"I don't know you ..... What do you want from me?

"Ah..... yes you don't know me... my bad..... but you do know someone I know"

he sneered and continued, the ropes lowly loosened and her feet touched the ground.

She was no longer in control of her own body, suddenly hypnotized and her feet kept on moving without her permission.

"Let me introduce myself," the voice said and slowly she turned in the direction of the moving trees as she saw a bold blurry image walking towards her.

A figure emerged with raven-black hair, with deep, mesmerizing eyes, the color of amethyst. His face was flawlessly sculpted, with high cheekbones, a sharp jawline, and perfectly arched eyebrows. Every feature of his body was attractive as if carefully crafted by the gods. His arms were adorned with intricate tattoos, Swirls of dark, mysterious symbols intertwined along his pale skin as he wore a green velvet coat.

"I am...

" Daven let her go" Adrian interrupted and stepped out of the dark shade of the leaves and moved closer toward Serena.

Daven growled dangerously as Adrian's dark eyes flashed with a warning.

he replied firmly.

" I never knew we'd meet here again big brother" Daven smiled turning to stop Adrian from taking any step forward

Adrian glared menacingly at Daven

" She's mine Daven, now give her to me".