Chapter 10 The Bite.

Life had returned to a semblance of normalcy after the excitement of the lacrosse tournament. School, friends, and cheerleading practices filled my days. But the strange dreams still haunted my nights, leaving me feeling restless and uneasy. Despite this, I tried to focus on the present and push the unsettling thoughts to the back of my mind. One evening, Maya and I decided to hang out after school. We went to our favorite café, chatting and laughing over milkshakes and fries. The hours flew by, and before I knew it, it was getting late. Maya had to head home, but I wasn't quite ready to call it a night. I decided to take a long walk to clear my head, hoping the fresh air would help me shake off the lingering unease from my dreams. The streets of Ashwood were quiet as I wandered aimlessly, lost in thought. The cool night air was refreshing, and I felt a sense of peace as I walked. I took a shortcut through a wooded area on the edge of town, a path I had walked many times before. It w