Chapter 4 Invitation to Shadows

Invitation to Shadows

Outside the Biology Lab

Ethan didn't see it coming. He leaned against the brick wall, heart still hammering from Mr. Powell's icy glare, when Prija slipped into a patch of late afternoon sunlight beside him. Her hair caught the golden light, haloing her face.

Hey, she said softly, though worry shadowed her eyes.

Ethan straightened. Hey. You okay?

Prija's Concern

How are you doing? she asked, flicking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. I wanted to check on you.

Ethan's chest tightened. Thanks. I am still dizzy sometimes, he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. My head buzzes. I am sorry I haven't made time for you.

She reached out, brushing her fingers across his forearm. The contact sparked a warmth that startled him. If you need anything anything at all just tell me.

He met her gaze and, for a heartbeat, the world narrowed to them alone. I am grateful, he whispered.

Her lips curved into the gentlest smile. I will see you after class.

Research Interrupted

Across the quad, Jake and Liam emerged from the media center, under a pile of wildlife reference books and hauling a video camera.

"Guys!" Jake called, nearly dropping the stack. He slapped a cracked volume "Wolves of North America, Third Edition" onto a nearby bench.

Liam adjusted his glasses, cheeks flushed. I downloaded patrol schedules, animal reports, even geotagged wildlife photos. We can map every animal trail in Ridgewood Woods.

Ethan exchanged a worried look with Prija. Is this... safe?

Safe?Jake snorted. It's a mild stroll. Besides, if this supernatural stuff is real, footage will clear us with the cops.

Ethan frowned. Detective Ransom told us to stay away.

Jake laughed. Ransom? The same guy who can't catch the beast in ten years? Science demands an investigation.

Planning the Expedition

Liam swallowed. I don't know, Jake....

Jake jabbed Liam's shoulder. Scared, nerd? You have been dying to test your theories.

Liam drew a shaky breath. It's just what if the creature's still there?

Jake's grin widened. "All the more reason to see it up close. Don't chicken out now. He bounced on the balls of his feet, eager.

Prija's Plea and the Promise

Prija stepped forward, arms crossed. "You're really going?"

Jake puffed out his chest. "Why not? We'll stick to the edges, record tracks, capture sounds. We're not idiots."

Ethan glanced at Prija. She bit her lip, torn between promise and curiosity, then took a steadying breath. "If you go..."

Jake cut in, "We go. When? Tonight?"

Ethan frowned. Every instinct screamed to stay home-but the pull of his sharpened senses and unanswered questions was too strong. He placed a hand on Prija's arm.

"I promise I will text you when I leave the woods."

She nodded, eyes locked on his. I promise.

Gathering at Dusk

Liam closed his eyes, steeling himself. Fine. Tonight. After sunset.

Operation Wolf Watcher is a go! Jake whooped.

Into Ridgewood Woods

When school let out, Ethan trudged home in a daze, mind half on homework, half on the plan they had made.

concern clung to him like a second skin. He replayed their moment by the lab wall, the warmth of her hand and the earnest worry in her eyes.

He reached into his pocket and felt the smooth curve of the locket Liam had found-a family heirloom Prija later claimed belonged to her mother. He fingered its edge, comforted and unnerved.

The Night Speaks

Dusk fell in triangular shadows by the old service road. Jake carried the camera like a trophy, Liam lugged a backpack stuffed with snacks and notebooks, and Ethan walked between them. The pines loomed, silhouettes etched against a bruised sky.

Ethan hesitated, recalling Ransom's warning and Prija's plea.

You good? Jake nudged him.

Ethan inhaled the crisp, leaf tangled air. "Yeah. Let's do this."

They stepped off the road onto a carpet of fallen leaves. Each footfall whispered in the hush.

Following the Tracks

Eyes open. Ears sharper, Jake murmured, raising the camera.

Liam's voice trembled. If we record anything, we have to leave at the first sign of

A low, distant howl answered him, so close it felt as though the forest exhaled. Ethan froze. Prija's text pinged on his locked phone: Be careful. I love you.

He pocketed the device and pressed a hand against a tree trunk. Cool bark, alive. His senses flared, the thrum of sap, a faint trail of mushrooms at its base, the whisper of pines stirred by breeze.

Jake knelt, tracing a half submerged paw print in moss. The claw marks were long, the pad nearly the size of Liam's hand.

"Big," Liam whispered. "Even bigger than before."

Ethan crouched beside them, fingertips inches from the print's edge. His heart hammered. We need to follow them.

"That is exactly what I was thinking," Jake said, voice low with excitement.

A Sharp Warning

They slipped deeper into the forest, a line of hesitant explorers. Above, the first stars pricked the sky.

Night had its own pulse, silver moths flicking through firefly light, an owl's distant call, hush draping every branch. Ethan's skin tingled. He felt the forest watching, waiting.

A sharp crack of a twig snapped him from reverie. He spun toward the sound, muscles taut. The others froze too.

Jake raised his camera, throat tightening.

Do you see it?

Ethan peered into shadowed undergrowth, nothing but twisting roots. Then a bush pig burst free, squealing past Liam's heels.

Don't run!" Ethan shouted