Into the wicked woods

The bonfire tradition was a sacred ritual for the four friends, a night of freedom and adventure away from the mundane routines of high school life. Natalie, Jimmy, Stefan, and Zara had been planning this trip for weeks, eager to explore the infamous woods known for its eerie reputation. They were the kind of friends who embraced thrills and dared each other to take risks.

As their car bumped along the deserted forest road, the sun dipped below the treetops, casting long shadows. The air grew colder, and an uneasy silence settled over the group. Jimmy broke the ice, his voice laced with forced cheer, "So, this is the place where weird stuff happens, huh? Spooky stories and all that?"

Zara, always the brave one, smirked. "Oh, you scared, Jimmy? Don't worry, we'll protect you."

Stefan chimed in, "Yeah, the stories are probably just made up to scare kids like us."

Laughter filled the car, easing the tension. But as they reached their destination, the laughter died in their throats. The bonfire spot was perfect, a clearing surrounded by ancient trees, but the sense of isolation was palpable.

They set up camp, gathering wood for the fire, their movements efficient and practiced from past excursions. The crackling fire soon danced before them, its warmth a welcome contrast to the chilling breeze. Roasting marshmallows, they shared stories, each trying to outdo the other with their own brand of humor and exaggeration.

"Remember that time we snuck into the abandoned factory?" Natalie began, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Oh, that was epic!" Jimmy exclaimed, his voice rising with excitement as he recalled their previous adventures.

Their laughter echoed through the woods, carrying a sense of camaraderie and joy. But the night took a sinister turn when a stranger emerged from the shadows. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his face hidden beneath a hood. The hunter, as they would later call him, greeted them with a voice like gravel. "Evening, folks. Didn't expect to find company out here."

The friends exchanged glances, unsure if they should be worried. Stefan, ever the diplomat, spoke up, "Just a bunch of friends having a bonfire. You're welcome to join us."

The hunter's laugh was a low, sinister rumble. "Oh, I'd love to, but I have other plans for you. See, I've been waiting for fresh faces like yours."

Before they could react, he lunged, his movements swift and deadly. Chaos ensued. Jimmy tried to fight back, but the hunter struck him with a hammer, the sickening crunch of bone echoing through the woods. Natalie screamed, a high-pitched wail that pierced the night. "Nooo!"

The hunter turned his attention to Stefan, producing a net of twisted thorns that pierced the boy's flesh, eliciting agonizing moans. Zara, in a desperate attempt to flee, was caught and dragged back, her screams turning to terrified whimpers.

Natalie, in a moment of sheer terror, grabbed the hammer and swung wildly, connecting with the hunter's head. He stumbled, and she seized the opportunity to run, her feet barely touching the ground. The hunter, enraged, gave chase, his footsteps pounding like thunder.

Natalie burst into a clearing, where an old villa stood, its windows like empty eye sockets. She darted inside, hoping to find refuge. But the hunter was relentless, his footsteps echoing in the empty halls. Cornered in a room, Natalie braced herself, the hammer still clutched in her trembling hand.

The hunter entered, his eyes gleaming with madness. "You put up a good fight, little one. But it ends here."

Natalie swung the hammer with all her might, connecting with his knee. He grunted, stumbling, and she rushed past him, running for her life. She could hear him cursing behind her, but she didn't stop, her heart pounding in her ears. Natalie finally reached the safety of the town, collapsing on the sidewalk, gasping for breath.

As she lay there, trembling, she realized she had escaped a nightmare. The horror of what happened in those woods would haunt her forever. Her friends, her laughter, and the light in their eyes were gone, taken by the darkness that lurked in the heart of those creepy woods.