The Girl in the Wilderness

My feet began to get sore from all the running. I could hear the deafening sound of the crickets and the cracks of the twigs under my bare feet. Enveloped in fear, I tried my best to speed up even when my legs were shaking. I muttered a curse underneath my breath when my left foot hit a rock; then came stumbling down the cold, wet pool of water. Great!

Strands of red were sticking on my sweaty shoulder. I held onto the huge rock beside me and got up with all the strength I could muster. Due to the pumps of adrenaline, I couldn't feel anything; I felt no pain. I started running again. If I stop and slow down, they will surely catch up.

The sky was dark and the air was moist from the rain. It is still raining; the trees were swaying from the cold bust of wind. My body feels cold; I almost forgot that I have nothing to cover me. Not even a single piece of clothing to keep me warm. I have to find some place to rest because I'm certain my body won't be holding warmth for too long. I will freeze to death if I don't put up a fire anytime now.

I could hear their voices from their heads, the sound of flaming torches in their grips and the strong gust of wind was undoubtedly their doing. There are too many for me to fight. I did not have a choice but to run away because I'm far too weak. I am powerless against them.

The rain somehow stopped. There was no cottage in this part of the woods. There are just huge puffs of gray clouds; the forest is foggy tonight. The fog started to blur my sight until I couldn't see anything. I looked down and saw a deep hole just beside a huge tree. Without having a second thought, I jumped into the hole and hid. I'll be staying here until the sun strikes up. I pulled my knees up to my breasts due to the coldness of the ground. Closing my eyes, I felt drowsiness embraced me.

A rather husky, deep voice stirs me awake. Or was it the blinding streaks of sunlight on my face that woke me up? Perhaps it is the loud chirping of the birds? I do not know. I could feel the wet ground beneath my bareness. Then there came a smooth, manly voice that was very different from the previous one.

"Is she awake?" That voice is oddly smooth to the ears.

Based on the tones of their voices I could easily say that they're all men. To find out the owner of those voices, I slowly opened my eyes. There were three brunette heads and one blonde.

"Moron! Of course she is. You wake her up." A dark-haired man stood tall on my right, his eyes holding stillness and displeasure. They are the color of ashes. Even with his glasses, those gray orbs sparked of authority.

"I did not. Gideon did! Look, he's sipping from that boar so loudly!" I glanced at the blonde one they call Gideon, his back is facing us so I couldn't see clearly what he's doing.

Ah, there are too many voices. My head started to spin. I shut my eyes for a second, hoping to stop the dizziness.

"She's naked."

"Stop staring at her body, you pervert!"

I opened my eyes and saw that I am indeed of no clothing! I quickly covered my body with my arms.

"Who's naked?" Vibrant blonde locks came into sight, his eyes lit in the brightest of blues. The stranger beamed at me with a cute smile. My lips parted at the sight of blood all over his mouth, sharp fangs covered in red.

"Hello there!" The blonde greeted me, his lips dripping with blood. I gasped in horror. Somehow my throat ran parched, I couldn't speak up. I want to gag even when there's no water left in my throat.

"Gideon!" A tall, gray eyed man scolded him.

The blonde who goes by the name Gideon wiped the corner of his lips abruptly.

"Sorry about that." Gideon smiled meekly before scratching the back of his head.

What in the world are they? They are like dangerous predators, with those sharp teeth. They are not human to me.

"Let's take her home first." Said the gray eyed one.

My brows furrowed in confusion.

"Izaac, carry the girl."

"Izaac hates girls. I will carry her!" Gideon volunteered, raising his hand in the air.

Izaac is the one with the black hair and emerald eyes. He darted a glare at Gideon and moved closer to me.

"Move. I will carry her." Izaac insisted with a stern voice.

"Daniel, give me your shirt." Izaac stared at Daniel.

Confusion was written all over Daniel's face. His hair is dark like the other two. The color of his eyes was black as well. He looked playful like Gideon but his voice was manly and smooth.

"What? Why? I'm not taking my shirt off! There's a girl here." Daniel eyed me cautiously. I almost rolled my eyes. My, for a guy, he is really fussy.

I could feel Izaac looking annoyed even when his back was facing me. Izaac managed to get Daniel's shirt and lay it on top of my body. I almost forgot that I am naked as they talk like I'm not here. It's embarrassing.

"We have to get going. The others might smell her from here." The gray eyed man looked at me.

"Ambrose is right. We don't want to lose our food do we?" Daniel agreed with a playful grin across his face.

Food? What food? Does he mean the two dead boars on Gideon's grip?

Before I knew it, a pair of sturdy muscles gripped my back and thighs. A yelp came out of my lips. Suddenly I was lifted up to the ground. The three men started walking to I don't know where but we are currently in the middle of the forest. Gideon carries two boars, dragging them along the wet ground. Are they some sort of hunters?

Izaac was calm and quiet the whole time as he carried me. I'm not sure how heavy I weigh but he's actually carrying me with ease as if I'm as light as a feather. Surely I am not that heavy am I?

His face was fixed towards the path we're currently heading. From up this close I could see his features clearly. His eyes of the darkest greens, lips as if painted of the faintest pink, and that stubborn jaw. He is indeed attractive but I think he's not the talkative type.

We have reached the river. I could hear the gushing of water and the falls nearby. The splashing was soothing to the ears.

I tugged Izaac's shirt, "Water." I managed to say. My voice is hoarse and shaky.

He looked at me and glanced at the other three that are already a few miles from us. Izaac put me down and helped me drink from the river. The water is cold and almost salty. I couldn't complain more because I needed the drink.

"I can walk." I tried to stand up but failed, I gripped onto his arms so I wouldn't fall into the river.

Izaac looked at me like I'm some cat that he wants to just leave here but is forced to take care of. To be blunt, I didn't care what he thought. I just don't want to owe him anything after this. If he didn't want to help, he shouldn't have volunteered!

"Your body is far too weak. Let me carry you. Don't make this hard for me." He said, giving me a stern look.

I didn't even ask him to carry me! My, I'm starting to hate this man more and more.

"We have to speed up." Izaac did not ask and before I could speak up, he carried me again and in only a few seconds, we walked alongside with the other three.

I shut my eyes, trying not to throw up. Although I badly wanna spit on Izaac's face but that's just disgusting and rude. I'm not brusque and vile like him.

"You can't speed up like that! The girl is unwell. She might throw up and die." Ambrose scolded and his eyes were deadly serious.

"Her body might not take it. She's not one of us." Gideon glared at Izaac.

Izaac looked at me as he raised his one eyebrow. Regret did not even go past those merciless, emerald eyes.

"She's alright." The corner of his lips slightly curved up.

How I wish I could strangle him right now but I can't because I'm hungry and my body is too low on energy. This man is downright rude!

"The girl may not be like us but she's different." Izaac paused.

"She's not human either; otherwise she wouldn't have survived the fog last night." He finished with a blank expression.

He fixed his gaze on me as if trying to figure me out. Those green orbs were like a black hole that drew me in and before I fall too deep, I broke the contact. I looked away as I was confused so myself. Looking back at my memories from last night, I only remember my name: Feyre Wells. Is that even my real name? I'm not sure. Everything's just messed up.

I heard noises. There are heavy footsteps and a lot of sighing. I also heard loud hitting of metals and pans. The smell of garlic and grilled meat filled my nostrils. My mouth watered from the delicious smell. Food!

I opened my eyes to see that I am in a house with high ceilings and walls made of wood. Using my arms, I got up from the soft couch and sat still. I winced because my head is killing me. As if I'm not in enough pain, my stomach grumbled.

"She's awake!" A jolly voice approached me. It was Gideon. On his right was Daniel and on his left was Ambrose.

"Are you okay? You fainted." Gideon asked with worried eyes.

"Yes. I'm fine. Where am I?" I found out that I am now dressed in a robe. Daniel's shirt is nowhere to be seen.

"You're in Emberton." Ambrose answered

Emberton? I know nothing of such a place. My head started spinning when I tried to recall what happened to me. I only remembered falling asleep in the woods.

"Emberton?" The unfamiliar word rolled out of my mouth.

Ambrose ignored my question, "It's our turn to ask. Who are you and what were you doing out in the woods alone?"

My brows furrowed, "I don't remember what happened."

They started glancing at each other's faces, as if they're communicating with just their eyes. They are probably thinking if I am lying or something. I admit no one will probably believe me at this point. They just found me naked in the woods. That scene itself is just strange.

"She's telling the truth." I heard Daniel spoke to Ambrose.

"What's your name, young lady?" Ambrose asked. He sounded as if our age gap goes way long but gazing at his face, he practically looked young and just my age.

"It's Feyre. Feyre Wells." I chewed my lips, nervously.

Ambrose raised his brow, "My name is Ambrose. I think you already know their names but this is Daniel, Gideon and the one who carried you was Izaac. He's not here at the moment." He pressed his lips into a thin line.

I nodded, taking in the new information he says. Ambrose feels way older than me because of his way of talking and his calculated movements; His smooth flow of talking made me want to nod and obey his orders. His aura was oozing of strong authority. I could already see why these men respect him. He makes rational decisions like a true leader and he's not lacking in goodness either for he's been too nice to help a stranger like myself.

"Well, it's nice meeting you all." I put up a genuine smile.

"You are not from here, are you? Where are you from?" Ambrose pushed the question, wanting a stern answer from me.

"I'm sorry, I don't know. I don't remember anything but my name." My sight dropped on the floor, feeling disappointed at myself.

"Certainly, you were running away or you were simply lost. Which was it?" Ambrose fixed his glasses as he sat in front of me with crossed legs.

"I couldn't tell. If I even try to remember, my head hurts like hell." I answered truthfully. Well, there's no point in lying to them.

"That sucks." Daniel commented with a scoff. He sat on the couch next to me.

"Well if that's the case. All this questioning is pointless. You'll have to stay until your memories come back. Surely, your problem isn't permanent. You'll be able to retrieve your memories. Just give it time." Was all Ambrose could say and then he excused himself to his office.

"But where is Emberton?" I managed to ask the two remaining men here in the living room.

"It's an old town here, also known as the town of bloodsuckers." Izaac who just came in answered my question. His hair is a bit wet and disheveled. I could see he's gone off to clean himself. He's now wearing a white shirt and dark pants.

Izaac walked towards the kitchen with ease, hands were kept inside his pockets. He looked as if he's about to strangle anyone at the moment. His aura is very different from Ambrose although they somehow share the quiet type. Izaac is not as sharp as he looks, he strides with ease. He's reckless and cruel. He is just pure evil.

"Bloodsuckers like vampires?"

Izaac nodded, "Yes."

I was about to strike another question when a yell from the kitchen interrupted my thoughts.

"Hey! Food is ready!" Someone yelled from the kitchen.

"Are you hungry? You should eat. Sage cooked something." Gideon helped me get up.

Sage? There's another male. Hah. Great.

Gideon filled my plate with grilled meat and some greens. He also offered a glass of water. They stare at me while I eat and it's seriously uncomfortable.

"What?" I finally asked them

"It's nothing. Don't mind us. We're just not used to seeing a girl in the house." Daniel explained, grinning.

I nodded, "I am sorry to intrude. I can be of help to you if you need me. I can do anything. I can cook."

"We don't really eat human food." They answered in chorus. Right. They're vampires. They feed on blood. They rely on blood to fuel their body. What do I expect? Feed them with pancakes and eggs?

"Yeah. These pale-skinned jerks don't eat my cooking even if it tastes good." Sage entered the conversation. He has this disheveled brown hair and amber eyes. Like all the men in this house, he's an eye candy himself. Are there any people here who aren't that attractive?

I smiled at Sage's comment. He's funny. I wonder if they are all the same age or if they live together for a while because they get along quite well. I could see that from the teasing and constant eye rolls.

"Well, I can clean the house?" I smiled, praying they would agree with that one.

I have to offer anything knowing that they are the one who saved my life. I have to pay them something in return. I may not know any of them since I just met them in the woods a couple of hours ago. In all honesty, I don't really trust them but they should not trust me either because I'm also a stranger being invited here in their home. But then again, they are all males here. Part of me just wants to run to that door and sprint like hell. If I consider that my last chance of survival, where would I be going? I don't really have anywhere to go. Besides, I'm still figuring out my mess and the reason I can't seem to remember anything. It's like my memory has been wiped out.

"That would be nice but you are a guest here. Please stay as long as you want. We are enough to keep the house clean anyway." Gideon smiled at me.

However, no matter what they say I will help myself in serving these gentlemen. I'm not that thick-faced to take advantage of their kindness and hospitality. Perhaps, I will cook and clean here and there.

I finished eating. The food really tasted good. Sage is a better cook than me. That's for sure.

"Are you a vampire too?" I turned to Sage.

As he said earlier, he didn't count himself as one of the vampires so I'm assuming he's not one of them. Also, he did not look as pale as the other four. His eyes were alive unlike the four whose eyes were just I don't know... hollow?

"I'm a werewolf." Sage replied.

"Damn, I can't believe I just said that line." Sage cringed and let out a strained bark of laughter.

"That's fascinating." My lips parted in awe.

Knowing that these people are all inhumane and predatory species did not scare me. It's like a familiar piece of information to my brain.

"What can you do then? Do you shift on full moons?" My tone couldn't hide the curiosity and amusement.

Sage let out a husky chuckle and yes it is sexy as hell. I saw a movement on my side. It was Izaac's intense gaze darted towards Sage like he's going to rip him open anytime now.

Daniel noticed that, "Uh, Feyre? Do you want to tend to your room?"

"I would love to!" I muttered a thank you before following Daniel up the stairs.

Everything here is so antique and dusty. Did Gideon say something about having enough people cleaning this house? He's a darn liar! This place needs serious cleaning.

Daniel beside me held back a laugh. I turned to him, bewildered if he's going crazy or what. His laughter erupted loudly that it almost echoed onto the whole second floor of this mansion.

"Are you alright?" I asked him

"Yes. I also agree. Gideon is a darn liar." He wiped a tear from his eye, cackling.

My eyes widened. "Can you read my mind?"

If he does, I'm seriously dead. I'm the type of person who keeps their thoughts to themselves. So I kind of have a wide imagination. Ridiculous as I describe my mind.

"Something like that. I can hear thoughts." Daniel explained

"Don't worry. I won't tell the others." He winked, a smile stretched to his lips.

"You better not or just simply don't try to hear my thoughts again." He only replied with a playful smirk. Is that a yes? Or maybe not.

Daniel twisted the knob and pushed the door open, it produced a creaky sound. Considering how old this mansion looked, I'm not even surprised if all doors here create sounds like this one. It's as if I'm in one of those horror films.

"It's not that grand but I hope it'll make you as comfortable." Daniel smiled

I shook my head, "It's perfect."

Daniel scratched his head, "There's a bathroom just across your room if you wish to clean up. Feel free to use the clothes in the closet for the meantime."

I smiled, "Thank you, Daniel."

"If you need anything else, I'm just at the end of the hall." His lips twisted into a boyish smile before leaving the room.

My eyes scanned the room. It's not that dusty. It has that smell of old books. I think they've already cleaned this room while I was asleep. The walls were painted of light beige. There's a queen sized bed at the center and a bedside table. There's also a closet beside the door.

I burst open the window and I was caressed by cold air. My red strands were all over my face and shoulder. A small smile appeared on my lips but it didn't reach my eyes. I should be grateful to finally have a shelter even after everything. Suddenly, I feel lonely and just as lost as those flying dandelions. They never know where they'll land. They just flew with the wind to find themselves lost in the field.

The sky is in its brightest blue. Clouds float like the softest cotton. In front of me is the view of the grassland. On the far east is the forest, covered with the tallest trees. Below the window, I saw a garden. The fountain by the gazebo is half empty with green water. Moss sticking on the marble; It looks like it has been like that for years. The area is almost empty and dirty, it doesn't even look like a garden anymore. The flowers have dried up like they haven't been watered for years. The ground now piled with dead leaves. As a person who enjoys a good view of nature, it's a disheartening sight to see.

"I should go clean up." I mumble to myself as I reach for the closet. Picking an oversize black tee and shorts, I head straight to the bathroom across the room.

Inside the bathroom is a sink, a toilet, a shower area and a bathtub. Yes, their bathroom is quite huge. I'm not surprised because the mansion itself is massive too. From the long, carpeted halls, glass chandeliers to the old paintings pinned to the walls by the staircase. There's something about the mansion that's just enticing.

I stared at myself at the mirror. The reflection was blurry because the mirror was foggy and dirty. I turned the faucet and splash water towards the mirror. I grab a tissue on my right and wipe the mirror. Now that is much better than before. These gentlemen must be very busy to not even take a second to clean a freaking mirror.

Untying the robe off of me, I put it on a rack. Taking a glance at my body, a shaky breath escaped my parted lips. It's all pale and bruised. I have a long scar on my right rib. Dark bruises on my legs and ankle. My thighs grew thin and the bruises were just ugly. Pity and hatred filled my heart. What the fuck happened to me?

After a refreshing bath, my feet lead me outside the house. My hair flew again with the wind as soon I shut the huge, oak door behind me.

Boy, it wasn't just a mansion. It was a castle; Old fashioned and mossy on the exterior. The proud, mossy stone walls outside were almost ancient. Vines and flowers bloomed inside the cracks of its wall; it's enchanting. Where in the world am I, really?

With a huge grin on my face, I stood before a huge field of dead grass. On the sides were enormous, dead trees that added to the eerie ambiance of the place. Everything here looked dead. Perhaps, the soil is not healthy for keeping plants.

Noticing that it was almost at dawn, the castle looked a bit more dark and abandoned. I don't know but I find this place beautiful. Surely it will be more pleasing to see the place with the morning sun.

Not minding the cool wind, I decided to take a quick stroll around the castle. The castle was surrounded by forest. It looks as if the people here clearly didn't want anyone disturbing them seeing they picked the right place to live. I'm wondering if there's a marketplace here or somewhere with more people because this place is unearthly quiet.

I hummed and kept walking along a trail towards the back of the castle. I went past the garden and I came across a metal, rusty gate that seemed to be locked. It is the way to the forest. I shrugged since I'm not planning on continuing my tour there.

I sensed a movement on the bushes in the dark forest. Out of nowhere, an angry growl erupted. Flocks of cross fled away from the forest. Fear rushed through me and there I saw it. The pair of glowing eyes, almost the color of blood red, is sinister.

The beast lunged in my direction but it hit the gate instead. The old gate flew open after the second thrust. I was frozen in my place, like my feet were rooted deep on the ground. I could feel my insides churning. Is this how I'm going to die?

The hideous creature slowly ascends towards me, ready to pounce any seconds now. And it did. Its sharp set of teeth dug into my skin, a piercing pain hit me.

"Ah!" I yelped in pain, gripping my thigh. The agonizing pain kept going until my throat strained.

The black wolf did not stop dragging me along the fence. It is leading me towards the forest. I shut my eyes, biting my shaking lips. The excruciating torture did not stop. It kept dragging me whilst I used my other leg to kick it in the head. Finally I hit him in the nose. It pulled back its pointy teeth from my flesh and stumbled backwards. My kick was strong but it wasn't strong enough to knock the beast cold.

How I wish someone will save me but I know it won't come to that because my body couldn't take it any longer. Slowly, I fell into darkness. My heart beating was frightfully deafening but still I heard it. The loud, distress growl echoed in my ears.