• Early morning light shines through the small opening in my dark red curtains. It fills only part of my large room. But it is enough to wake me from my dreamless sleep. I reluctantly sit up in my bed, pushing the warm blankets to the side.

    I shiver as I slide my feet down to meet the cold hardwood floor. My house is freezing, as it is almost winter. It is November; it is not quite winter yet it rarely seems like fall. Though, with the sun shinning like it is today; I think it is going to be one of those rarely seen fall days.

    I smile to myself as I walk over to my vanity mirror. I do not take to kindly to winter, or summer for that matter. I guess spring is okay, but fall is my favourite time of the year. I glance in the mirror at my reflection and sigh at my chaotic hair. Why does it always get so messy when I sleep?

    I walk away from my mirror and decide that I should get cleaned up. I grab a few essentials and stride towards the hallway bathroom. After showering and drying my hair, I notice my alarm clock for the first time this morning.

    “Hmm…7:48am. That’s odd, I am never up this early on a weekend.” I think to myself.

    I have no idea what I’ll do with myself today. And it doesn’t help that I woke up more than 4 hours earlier then I usually do.

    I make my bed and think about what I could do. I just moved into a new neighbourhood, so I do not know anyone yet. And I am pretty sure my other friends are doing something today. As I mentioned before, I am new to this area. Maybe I should go and explore a bit. Suddenly, I remember a large forest near the outskirts of town. My family and I drove past it so many times during our move.

    That forest always intrigued me, there was a trail but I never saw anyone go on it. No cars parked near the side of the road suggesting anyone ever step foot in there. Luckily, I do not live too far from it. Once my mind was set on what I will do today, I quickly hurried to get all that I would need for my latest escapade. I grab my shoulder bag, which is filled with my outdoors essentials, and head out the door.

    I am met with the crisp chill of November. I am glad I decided on wearing a long sleeved shirt along with a thick sweater. My legs are slightly cold, mainly because I am only wearing my black jeans. I start walking, hoping that it will help my legs heat up. The scenery captures my thoughts and the sound of the dry multi-coloured leaves crushing beneath my leather boots sends me into a trance.

    I soon find myself at the beginning of the trail, thick woods on either side of me. Though slightly shocked as to how I got here without my knowing, I carry on down the trail.

    “There’s a place, that I found, as far as I can see. This place lies within the depths of my dreams.” I sing quietly to myself. My footsteps falter as I look up from the ground and see that the trail I have been following for at least half a mile, as abruptly ended.

    I am faced with a solid wall of tall trees. My mind is telling me to turn back. But I do not want to listen to it right now. Right now, I want to explore. I am always inside the house and I think it is time for me to be daring. The sound of a branch breaking several feet behind makes all courageous thoughts leave my mind.

    I turn around quickly, clutching my bag, knowing I can use it as I weapon. I have seen those crime shows; girls are always getting killed in forests when they’re alone. How could I of been so stupid to come here alone at this time of day. Though as I turn around, I see nothing. Still clutching my bag, I start to walk back, not wanting to stay here anymore. As I walk I can smell smoke. I pause, wondering where the scent could be coming from.

    Suddenly the world around me catches fire. The instant flames are enough to knock me to the ground. The trees are burning and thick smoke is filling the air. I cover my mouth and nose with the sleeve of my sweater. Still, my oxygen-deprived lungs inhale the smoke. It burns my insides, making me cough uncontrollably.

    Through the crackling of the flames, I swear I could hear laughter. Forcing my eyes open, I glance around me try to find the source. All I see is smoke, nothing else.

    “Aren’t the flames pretty, dearest?” a hushed voice behind me whispers in my ear. I whirl around, scared beyond belief. I think the smoke is affecting me, because when I turn around I see nothing.

    Strong arms wrap themselves around me from behind, lifting me up to my feet. I struggle in their grasp, but to no avail. The strong arms turn me, making me look towards their owner. My glance is caught within the stare of jet-black eyes.

    “Do not fight me. Your efforts are in vain, beloved.” the man, with cold dark eyes, says.

    “W-who are you?” I stutter, fear overwhelming my body. His pale face is framed by side swept onyx black hair, cut short just below his jaw.

    “I am your saviour and your nightmare.” He smirks, baring his razor-edged fangs. My mind goes blank.

    “This cannot be real. This must be dream. No, this must be a nightmare.” I think to myself.


    “Do you not listen? I just said I was your nightmare and yet you do not understand.” He says, sighing in frustration. He heard my thoughts. How could that be possible? H-he’s not human. There is no other explanation. I am feeling more and more lightheaded; the smoke is taking effect, making me lose conscious.

    “Never fall asleep. You won’t wake up.” he says, as I slip deeper and deeper into darkness. His last words float through my mind, swirling around with my broken thoughts.

    I stayed within my dreamless state for what seemed like days, weeks, maybe even years. But slowly, I regained consciousness. My chaotic thoughts becoming clearer and my senses heighten. I feel as though I am laying on a bed, the soft feel of silk surrounds me. It is almost heavenly, but the hollow thudding sound of something above me, ruins it.

    My eye shoot open, but I see nothing but darkness. I blink several times, trying to see something. Suddenly it hits me. The silk and the hollow thud. I am being buried alive in a casket. I hear more dirt being thrown on grave.

    I slam my hands upon the casket lid, praying they haven’t buried me too far. I scream and slam and kick, but it is useless. I am exhausting myself. My strength is fading. I can feel my eyelids fluttering close.

    Sleep seems so welcoming now. Before I fall into my eternal sleep, his voice enters my mind.

    “Find a better way, to walk with shadows. Daydream a better life, tomorrow. Seek a way, to make thing just. But never fall asleep, because you won’t wake up.”