The Lone Blue: Escrea

What exactly is a lie?

When I was a little child, my parents told me that lying was the worst thing you could do. That, in fact, it was always better to tell the truth-even if it hurt.

But I don't believe that.

All they've ever done is lie to me, and I don't even understand why.

Sometimes, they lie with a frown. Sometimes, they lie with a smile. Sometimes, it gets so scary, and I find myself wondering: Who are these people? Who am I? And why won't they let me know?

In case you're wondering, my name is Chloe. Chloe Becker. I'm a sixteen-year-old girl in high school, and I basically just hate it. Too many dangers. Too many problems. I'm on my own, trying to figure things out, and everyone keeps shading everything.

Well, I guess that's Jasper for you-some run-down town where everyone acts strange and creepy. But at the same time, everyone loves each other. It's home.

But I still don't get why no one ever leaves Jasper.

And those who come in don't stay long.

And even the ones who do... they feel different.

When I asked my parents about it, no one gave me any answers. But I know something's up. And I know I'm going to discover it myself-because no one else knows.

I'm leaving Jasper tomorrow.

Yes, yes, I know it's a bad idea.

But I have to do it now.

If not, I just feel like a tiger in a cage.

Well, I'm leaving my old phone behind, just so you guys can know how I felt-and why I had to leave.

I'm suffocating here, and I need a bit of freedom.

I'm not a cub anymore, like you guys keep calling me.

No. I'm strong now. I do things for myself.

So I'm going.

I won't tell you where I'm headed, but I'll be safe.

And I'll be back-so please, don't worry.

Oh-and I'd like to apologize for taking a bit of money from your wallet.

Let's just say it's you being kind and caring parents, sponsoring my little trip.

I'm really sorry once again, but I have to do this for myself.

I know you'll understand, Mom and Dad.

So please, take care of yourselves until I get back.

I love you both.

She stops recording and drops her phone as she stares into the night, looking at the beautiful moon.

She asks herself,

"Has the moon always been so blue?"

She thinks about everything again as she climbs into her bed and falls asleep.

---

She curled beneath her blanket, clutching the thoughts of her parents, her goodbye, and the strange new world calling her beyond sleep.

Then, in the gentle hush of dreams, something stirred-

a voice not hers,

a vision not from this world.

And it spoke like this:

---

Ice, the heart of the cold.

Withered, not old.

The paws, the claws, on something wild.

The forest's king, the night's prowl.

They move not one, they move as one.

They hunt the night, and the night hunts in return.

When you hear a howl, think their name.

When you see the mark, realize they aren't tame.

They aren't tame.

They are the night's shadow, the moon's sons.

When you hear them speak,

All you have to do is run, run, run.

---

She stirred slightly in her sleep-

a cold breath on her neck, a shiver in her chest.

But she didn't wake.

Not yet.