The Dark Somnium - "What Waits In The Cold" Scary Stories from The Internet | Creepypasta

Episode Date: December 12, 2022

This creepypasta scary story is from the creepypasta website, written by Aaron York, make sure to check out the original story and support the author. "What waits in the cold"  https://www.creepypasta.com/what-waits-in-the-cold/--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/darksomnium/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just steadied her breath as she saw the buck. She was behind a fallen log dug deep into the blanket of snow that lay across the ground. She brought her rifle up to her shoulder and rested it on her cover, moving ever so slowly as to not startle the buck in the clearing. She felt the wind blow her hair behind her head. She had positioned herself downhill of the animal as to not give away her position with her scent. The buck had broken from the herd, which were moving through the dense woods past the clearing. All of whom were most likely searching for water or any other source of food that hadn't been claimed by the snow. A three-day-long blizzard had passed a few days ago, and Jess knew the animals would need to drink and eat, just like her and Frank.

Their supplies had been cut short by the unexpected storm, and they needed more desperately. Normally, Jess wouldn't be hunting alone in such a harsh environment. However, that was their only option, as Frank had become ill. While it wasn't life-threatening, he certainly wasn't in any position to be doing anything in the bitter cold, much less hunting. Jess didn't mind. Helping her husband was something she always prided herself in doing. Just peered through her scope and steadied her aim on the buck's body just over where his heart would be.

She saw the buck tilt its head towards her before suddenly darting out of the clearing and through a thicket of trees, followed by the rest of the herd. Just didn't move at first, confused as to why it was. It had been startled so quickly when she hadn't moved. She planted the butt of her rifle in the snow and began to pick herself up as a bright light shone in her eye. She looked down her scope, seeing the sun's reflection off the glass. Buck must have seen the glint and got spooked. She cursed quietly to herself.

Need to get this thing off after I find him. She picked up her rifle and began to move toward the clearing, breaking from her concealment behind the log. Just moved to where the buck had been standing just moments ago. Kneeling to the ground, she saw tracks planted deeply in the snow. A faint smirk crossed her face. Finding that buck again wouldn't be any trouble. She had hunted game with trails far more indiscernible many times before. Jess got up, slung her rifle over her shoulder, and began to follow the tracks.

The forest she trekked through was laden with snow. The heavy wind had sent several branches to the ground and had even taken a few weaker trees down. Several inches of snow covered the ground, covering the entire forest in a thin blanket. The large tracks she left behind made Jess feel exposed in some way. For all she knew, something could be hunting her as well. However, Jess had some comfort. She moved her hand down her thigh, placing it against the holster wrapped around it. She wrapped her hand around the grip of the gun that lay in the holster.

The revolver was chambered in 50 caliber, more than enough to bring down any. anything. Frank had bought one for both of them after a close encounter with a bear a few years prior, the same that left Jess with a large scar prominent across her back and part of her shoulder. She was lucky Frank had been there, else she would have never made it out of those woods. Eventually, Jess found the buck, although now he was behind a few trees, not nearly as exposed as the clearing. The rest of the herd was now with him, making the shot even harder to pull off undetected. Very slowly, Jess moved, keeping concealment behind trees as much as she could.

Eventually, she found a point where the buck was fully visible. She lay prone on the ground and slowly laid her bag next to her. Opening it as quietly as she could, she pulled out an Allen wrench and brought her rifle close to her. She unmounted her scope all while keeping eyes on the buck in case he moved or noticed her. Soon, Jess had the scope off and began to line up her shot. She had to be much more careful now.

The buck was roughly 20 yards away, a shot that she had to make with only her iron sights. She hoped to bring it down in one shot and didn't want to chase a wounded animal through the snow. As Jess was still lining up her shot, she saw the buck peer over to where she was laying. Jess thought it was about to bolt again. Panicking, Jess fired her rifle, not knowing whether she had struck a hit or not. The herd all ran together as Jess cursed herself for being so careful. She quickly picked up her bag, slung her rifle, and ran to the tracks. Among the several footsteps that lay in the snow, Jess saw drops of blood.

The bullet had made contact, most likely by the buck's leg. It wouldn't be able to run for long. Jess ran after the trail. She knew the animal was going to collapse soon if it hadn't already, and she needed to be there soon after it did. The screaming of the buck would be a dinner bell to any predators in the area. The last thing Just wanted was to have her kill stolen, as she had already been hunting for several hours. Jess sprinted through the dense forest, her rapid breath visible in front of her.

Branches and other debris cluttered the ground, all of them covered by a veil of snow. Jess couldn't afford to lose any time, much less an ankle where she'd a trip on something and land wrong. Just knew she was close. There was only a single set of tracks now. Soon she heard the buck, wailing in pain. Jess began to slow down and reached into her bag. She began to get her rope to tie the thing up and drag it back. There was no way she'd be able to carry a full-grown buck all the way back to her house.

She also got her hunting knife out from her pocket. After all, the animal would have to be dead before it could be moved, and a quick mercy kill was the best Jess could offer. Jess broke through part of the forest and into another clearing. She stopped, looking down at the tracks, following them with her gaze. Eventually, it landed on the buck, laying on its side toward the edge of the clearing. It was kicking its legs, yelling, though it had become quieter now. Jess moved toward the animal, readying her knife.

The buck saw her as she got close. It began to kick its legs harder, trying in vain to get up and run. Jess knelt in front of it, and, with a saddened sigh, plunged her knife into its neck. The buck screamed one last time before going limp. Jess always hated this. She never liked making an animal suffer more than it had to. The only condolence she could give the animal was a faint. Sorry.

Before removing her knife. Jess got her rope from her bag and began to tie the carcass. There was no other way to move it besides to drag it. Eventually she wrapped it tight and tied the rope to her bag to act as a harness. She got herself situated and began to walk back home. Jess knew these woods well. She and Frank had hunted in them for many years, and she knew how to get back home from anywhere. Even if she were to get turned around, she could always just follow her own footprints, as there

hadn't been any more snowfalls since she left. Just hiked back through the woods, dragging the large buck along with her. Her legs ached due to the strain caused by the weight of the animal along with the snow that crippled parts of her movement. However, she ignored the pain and kept moving, focusing on the thought of her own survival, and, more importantly, that of Frank. Jess made it back to the clearing where she saw the first buck. She looked back at her own tracks, as well as those of the animals she had now carried with her.

However, something seemed off. By the clearing, she noticed an extra trail, one that she didn't believe had been there when she had chased after the buck. She took off her bag and went towards the trail. She arrived and inspected the tracks. They appeared to be that of a deer. However, they were larger, maybe twice the size of normal tracks. They trailed off to where the herd ran. However, the distance between the prince indicated that the animal had been moving slowly,

calmly, nothing like the prince of a frightened animal. Just didn't know what to think. In all her years of hunting, she had never seen prince that large on something that seemed to be a deer. She didn't believe Frank had either. She immediately wanted to go after the tracks to find whatever creature. had left them. However, she still had the buck, one that she needed to get back home before something else claimed it, whether it be an animal or decomposition. Jess couldn't let the kill

go to waste. She decided she'd had back home, maybe ask Frank about the prince, see if he'd ever seen anything like them. If they were that of a large deer, the amount of meat on the animal could keep them fed for up to a month should they ration it properly. Jess grew excited at this thought and made up her mind. She'd rest for a day, and tomorrow she'd go back out and see if she could find the animal. She would have to dispose of the buck's carcass anyway. Might as well try to find whatever was out there. Jess trekked back to her bag that lay in the snow.

Small flakes of snow speckled the top of it. Quickly, she went back to the strange tracks and took a mental note of their direction. The coming snow would most likely cover their tracks. Just didn't plan on losing whatever made them. She followed the tracks with her eyes as they exited the clearing and back through the woods, following those of the other deer. Jess went back to her bag, picked it up, slung it back around her shoulder, and began to drag the buck the rest of the way home.

Eventually, Jess made it back to her house, smoke emanating from the chimney. Jess smiled. Frank was awake, and seemed to have gotten some of his strength back, enough to get up and move around the house. Jess went to the small shed that lay a few yards from the house, dragging the carcass along with her. She pulled the buck inside and let it rest in the middle of the room. It was secure now, and she could leave the rest of the work for a little later, after she caught up with Frank. Jess untied the rope from the carcass and her bag before putting it back away.

Jess walked through the door of the house to see Frank tending to the fire. Back so soon? Frank said as Jess walked through the door. Jess unsung her rifle, propping it next to the door. Jess removed her revolver from its holster, placing it on a small table next to the door. Frank, I've been out for like five hours. By the looks of it, you just got up. That may or may not be true.

Frank said, glancing at Jess with a smirk, managed to get anything? Jess took her bag off her back. Yeah, I got a buck. Pretty big one, too. I'll skin it in a few. I need a break. She laid her bag on the floor in front of their couch before laying down on it. Her coffee sound good?

Frank said, looking over his shoulder at her. When does it not? Said Jess, returning Frank's gaze. Frank nodded and moved to the counter where their pot laid. He made Jess her brew and gave it to her. Finish that up and go work on the buck. I'll clean your rifle in the meantime. Is that really necessary?

I only fired one shot. Come on, Jess. You know that's my thing? Frank smirked. Frank wasn't wrong and Jess knew it. Caring for their guns was something Frank always loved doing, and he always looked for any excuse to do it. After any trip they went on, any expedition, Frank made sure their weapons were clean and pristine, no matter how insane the task may seem. Jess smiled, rolling her eyes.

Frank took Jess's rifle and went to their dining room table. He already had his cleaning kit ready and waiting. Just could hear him taking apart the rifle from the couch. as she finished her coffee. She then got up, washed out her mug, got her knife from her bag, and moved back out to the door. Jess made it to the shed, the buck still laying in the center. She then got to work on it. Skinning the buck was the easy part, getting the right meat off of it and making sure there

wasn't any bones was much more difficult. The task only took Jess about an hour and a half. Once she had finished, Jess got up and inspected the carcass, somewhat pleased with herself were doing it in such a short amount of time. She placed the last of the usable meat in a cooler that lay in the shed before taking it and rolling it back towards the house. She managed to get the door open, dragging the cooler along with her through the snow and through the entrance.

She rolled the cooler to a freezer that lay a bit deeper in the house just past the kitchen and put the cooler inside of it. Her and Frank couldn't afford to let a kill go to waste in their state. Jess walked back to the living room, seeing both her rifle and revolver, now shining brighter than ever. Jess looked at Frank laying on the couch, who had resigned himself to a book. I didn't even take my revolver out of its holster until I got back. Did you really have to clean it?

Jess said, shooting a questioning gaze at Frank. I told you I like cleaning him. Plus, you would take in too long with the buck. Frank replied, a hint of laughter in his voice. Well, I could have done it faster if I had some help. Just said, jokingly to Frank. Oh, but how would my sick body be of any use? that cold. Why, I would just surely die. Frank held his hand over his forehead theatrically.

Jess stared at him, shaking her head and smiling. Now, you haven't told me the story yet, Frank said, lowering his gaze back to Jess. What story? What story? How you got the buck. Jess retold the series of events that had taken place, beginning at where she had found the herd all the way up to when she killed it. However, she then got to the part of the story about the large tracks in the snow. Jess told Frank about the tracks, wondering if he'd seen anything similar before. A puzzled look crossed Frank's face. No, I don't think I have. You said they were twice the size of normal tracks? Yeah, something like that. I was planning on going back out tomorrow to see if I could follow them. I need to bring the carcass out anyway. Frank tilted his head towards the window, snowflakes fluttering

just outside. That's going to be difficult. Snow's already coming. coming back in. I know where the tracks were leading to. Hopefully I'll be able to find them if they pick up again. Well, whatever you say. Anyways, are you planning to kill the thing if you find it? That's the plan, yes. If that thing really is as big as the tracks made it appear, the meat on it would last us

a really long time. I don't know, Jess, it could be risky. If that thing sees you and decides to attack, you could get hurt pretty bad. Jess grinned at Frank. Hey, it'll be all right. After all, you just cleaned my last resort. She pointed over her shoulder to the revolver on the table. I'll be fine, Frank. No need to worry.

Frank returned Jess's grin. If you say so, but if it seems like it's too dangerous, I want you to head back here, all right? Of course. I'm not looking for both of us to be out of commission here either. The rest of the day passed by quickly, mostly filled with Jess preparing her bag with more supplies, repacking her magazines, and bringing along one extra just in case. Frank cooked up some of the fresh kill for dinner before both of them went to bed. Jess planned on getting up early the next day. The time on the clock read 6.20 as Jess stirred in bed.

She got up and put on her clothes, seeing small amounts of snow still falling. She left the bedroom, got her bag, rifle, and revolver ready before turning back to the bedroom. Frank was still asleep. Jess wrote a small note, saying that she had gone out and that she'd be back when she'd she found the thing, or if it got dark. She put it on the bedside table next to Frank, kissed him on the cheek, and then left for the door. Moving out to the shed, Jess noticed that there was less snow on the ground, only about

two to three inches now. Jess was happy at the sight. Less snow would make dragging her kill a lot easier. She once again tied the carcass to her bag, then began to trek back out into the woods. The animal was a lot lighter, now that most of the meat and bone had been taken out. Jess walked about half a mile away from the house, a good distance to leave the animal for the rest of the forest to claim. Jess dragged the carcass to a group of trees and laid it in front of them.

She removed the rope from her carcass and her bag, putting it back away. She got up and began to follow her tracks back toward the clearing, where she had seen the strange prince the day prior. Eventually, Jess came back across the clearing, just as barren as it was when she had passed by yesterday. Jess walked to where the tracks had laid the day before, expecting them to be there somewhat, just maybe not as pronounced as before. She saw the light tracks of the other deer that had run away, as well as those of bigger

animals. The tracks were just barely there, but Jess could still see them. She felt more than confident enough in her abilities. She'd be able to find the thing in no time. Jess got back up and followed the tracks on the same route that she had taken yesterday. The loss of some of the snow allowed for her to see more of the ground and the obstacles that lain beneath. This was good.

If Jess had to chase the animal like yesterday, she'd be at much less risk of falling, making it much easier. Eventually, Jess made it to the clearing where she had killed the buck the day before. The trail of now dry blood that the buck had left was still pronounced against the pristine snow. However, Jess noticed something else. The tracks of the larger animal were no longer following those of the other deer. Rather, they had turned and were now following her tracks. Jess didn't know what to think.

It was strange enough that what seemed to be a deer was following tracks. It was even stranger that it had chosen to follow hers rather than that of the other deer. This also made Jess realize something else, that the thing had most likely been near her when she found its tracks. It may have even followed her back to her house. Following her trail back to the previous clearing proved this theory. Jess could see the thing's trail following hers back home. However, Jess realized a possible way she could use this to her advantage. If it had followed her before, there may be a chance it would do it again. If the thing were already starting to track her, it would soon be at this clearing, not giving Jess much time to get ready.

She quickly ran back to where she had finished the buck and posted up against a log facing the opening of the woods she had gone through. All she had to do now was wait. Time seemed to drag on. The next half hour felt like days to Jess, but she never moved from her position. She was dead set on killing this thing. Eventually, Jess saw movement in the tree line. She held her rifle against the log and the ground, steadying her breath just as she had the day before. She watched as an animal moved through the trees into the clearing.

Jess was correct in her previous assumption. The deer was at least twice as big as normal. Aside from its size, it appeared to be normal. Even the antlers on its head had a normal number of points, although they were much larger. The animal stopped as it entered the clearing, almost as if it knew something was there. Just stayed perfectly still, not daring to move even to line up a shot yet, not while it was this alert. The animal moved its head from edge to edge of the clearing. Jess saw its gaze pass her and look off to her right. Jess knew that this was the best chance she had. Quickly,

she lined up her sight over the animal's neck. Its gaze slowly turned back to look at Jess. She felt the animal's eyes focus on her, and, without hesitation, she fired. The animal's yells could be heard even over the sound of the shot. Jess immediately knew she had scored a hit on target. Just saw the animal turn and flee from the clearing. Without a second thought, she gave chase. She was confused at this point, but determined. It seemed impossible that the animal would have survived that shot.

The bullet had most likely gone through the thing's torso, hitting several vital organs along the way. It seemed impossible for it to be moving. However, Jess didn't care about the logistics right now. All she knew was that it was running, and she wasn't planning on losing it. Jess followed the thing at a decent pace. The fresh trail was plainly obvious. She knew once again the animal wouldn't be able to make it far after the hit she had scored.

There was no point in tiring herself out now. She would need all the energy she could muster to be able to drag the massive animal back home. Eventually Jess no longer heard the animal's cries. It must have died, and by the looks of the trail, Jess knew she was close. just passed up a thicket of trees and saw the animal shaking on the ground. The only thing just heard was the snapping of bone and the tearing of flesh. The animal laid convulsing, not making any sound of its own accord. Her eyes widened as she saw the thing's legs began to split open, revealing pitch black limbs underneath. The thing's back was torn open as a black mass

emerged from it. Its head exploded as two large antlers replaced the ones already there. Just stared in a frozen whore as she watched a massive creature come out of the deer's body. It stood on two legs. It must have been ten feet tall, if not even taller as it was hunched over. Its arms reached down past its waist. Long, sharpened fingers barely avoided scraping the snow it was standing in. Its head resembled that of a deer's skull. The set of antlers resting on top, their ends sharpened to thin points.

The entire body was black, though it was. It seemed thin. The outlines of the bones could be seen through its skin. Jess began to walk backward slowly, never letting her eyes off the thing. The creature then tilted its head toward the sky, letting out a clud-curdling roar. It was deafeningly loud. Jess could feel the ground rumbling beneath her. She was still backing away as the creature yelled, and then slowly turned its head around

to face her. Jess stared directly into the creature's eyes. They seemed to be burning bright, red, resembling hot embers. Jess then turned around and sprinted away from the creature as fast as she could. Only after she had gotten a decent distance away did she look over her shoulder. The creature was gone. Jess began to slow down, gripping her rifle tight. She kept moving forward, all while turning to scam the trees for any sign of the creature. Soon she did. She saw red eyes staring at her from behind a few trees.

Jess raised her rifle, but by the time she did, it had already disappeared. Jess quickened up her pace while keeping eyes on where the thing had been. Then, out of a corner of her eyes, she saw it again, staring at her. She aimed the rifle to where it had been, only to be met with the unmoving trees. Just believed she had an idea of what the creature was doing. It was toying with her. It kept appearing, disappearing, and reappearing to scare Jess and to wear down her nerve. Worst of all, Jess knew it was starting to work.

She felt her breath began to quicken and her entire body began to shake. She had to think of something fast, something that would allow her to get control over this situation. She turned and saw a pile of branches on the ground about fifty yards away. She had her plan. The next time Jess saw the creature out of the corner of her eye, she waited, not turning to face it immediately. Just saw the creature emerging from its concealment behind the trees and begin to begin to to slowly move towards her.

Jess then quickly turned and fired a blind shot at the creature. She saw the thing duck, turn, and run back into the woods. The thing was gone for now, but it would be back soon, and Jess had to act fast. Quickly, Jess turned and ran for the pile of branches, pulling her scope back out of her bag. She remembered when the buck had been startled by the glare earlier, and the best idea just had was to make a lure for the creature. She saw a log a few yards to the left of the branches, one big enough for her to lay behind. Instead of taking the shortest route, she went around the left side of the log, then began to move towards the branches. She placed her scope in the

pile and pointed it to where her tracks had been. She then began to walk backwards toward the log, slowly, and making sure she only walked in her already existing footprints. She then got back to the log and prone, aiming her rifle towards the branches. Hopefully, when the creature began to follow Jess's tracks again, it would see the glare of the scope and try to get behind it. When it did, Jess would be able to get a clean shot of the creature, one good enough to seriously wound, if not kill it. Jess waited for what felt like an eternity, her heart still racing as she lay still.

Any second, the creature could appear from what seemed like anywhere in the woods, and Jess had to be ready for it. She knew she had to get a good shot on it, else she would be at even more of a disadvantage. If she were to shoot at the creature and miss, she would not only alert the creature, but still be on the ground, making it even harder for her to escape the thing should it attempt to chase her. The thought of this made Jess even more terrified than she already was, but then she noticed something, something that made her heart sink deeper into her chest than it already had. She watched as the vapor from her breath exited her mouth and over the top of the log.

plainly visible to anything following her trail. Jess got the looming feeling that something was watching her. Slowly, she turned her head to look over her shoulder. She stared eye to eye with the creature looming over her. Jess screamed as she rolled onto her back, attempting to level her rifle on the creature. Just as she did, the creature pinned her arm to the ground along with the rifle with one of its hands. Although it seemed frail, it was immensely strong.

She was completely unable to move her right arm, her dominant arm. The creature then used its other hands to push down on Jess's chest. The creature was beginning to crush her. She could feel air escaping from her lungs as a sharp pain pulsated through her chest. However, Jess was able to pick up her legs and kick the creature in the stomach. The creature let out a small, pained cry before loosening its grip on Jess's arm. Quickly, she took her knife from her pocket and drove it into the arm pinning her down. The creature yelled louder as Jess twisted the knife.

The creature let go of her and grabbed it the knife in its arm. Jess didn't waste any time. She quickly got up and began to run from the creature as fast as she could. She felt the brush of sharp claws on her jacket. She turned her head to see that the beast had just narrowly missed her. It pulled the knife out of its arm, throwing it to the ground, and then began to chase after her. She knew the creature was mad and it was done toying with her.

There was no chance she'd be able to outrun it for long. and she couldn't get the distance to hide from it. The only thing Jess could think was to try to shoot it. She turned and fired her rifle at the beast, hoping to hit it in the leg. However, the shot completely missed, and the beast hadn't slowed down. Jess didn't have time to fire again. She turned back around and continued running. She could hear the thundering footsteps of the beast following her closely,

but she didn't stop. She knew that if she were to get caught by this thing, there would be no way she'd be able to escape it. Jess's lungs burned and her legs ached. She was beginning to tire, but the creature didn't show any of the same signs. Its pace hadn't slowed down in the slightest, and Jess knew it was getting closer. As she ran through a thicket, a root caught her foot. It had been completely obscured by the snow.

As Jess fell, she rolled onto her back, in some vain hope that she'd be able to hit the creature and was only just able to aim her rifle at the beast. She got one shot off and hit the creature in the chest. However, it didn't slow down. Just as Jess was about to fire another shot, the beast was on top of her. It swiped at the rifle, knocking it out of her hand and sending it several feet away from her. The beast then grabbed Jess by her neck.

It lifted her effortlessly off the ground with one arm, bringing her over its head. She tried in vain to get free, grabbing onto the beast's arm with both hands and trying to pull it off. It was hopeless. The beast was too strong. She tried again to kick, but she couldn't land a good hit. The best she could do was a few light taps against the beast's head. The beast dug its free hand into Jess's leg right below her waist.

Jess screamed in pain as it drug its claws down her thigh slowly. The beast wanted to make Jess suffer. It wanted her to feel the same pain it had felt when she shot it. Jess's death was going to be slow. The beast tore its claws out of her leg just above the knee. Tears began to trickle down her face as she yelled in pain. The beast didn't move for a moment. It simply watched as Jess tried even harder in vain to break free.

Jess's life flashed before her eyes. She saw herself as a young girl hunting with her father again. She saw herself graduating school along with her friends again. She saw herself marrying Frank again. Then she saw the memories that hadn't yet been made. She saw her daughter looking up at her from a crib, her son learning how to walk. She saw herself teaching them both how to hunt just as Jess's own father had. Seeing these visions constructed a burning will within Jess, she was not going to die in these

woods to the hands of some sadistic creature. She was going to make it out. She was going to see Frank again, and she was going to start her family. Just then, Jess remembered something. A trump card she hadn't played, her last chance of escape. Jess removed one of her arms from the beast's grip and moved it to her right leg. She watched as the creature reeled back its free arm. It was planning to strike.

Jess got her hand around the grip of the revolver and pulled on it. The fire within the beast's eyes grew brighter as it anticipated the kill. She tore the revolver from its holster and leveled it with the beast's head. Its eyes turned to track the revolver, meeting the barrel just as Jess pulled the trigger. The noise was deafening. The powerful shot had knocked the revolver free of Jess's grip and had been thrown away from her. The beast screamed as it lost its grip on Jess, sending her falling to the ground. She hit the ground hard, dazed, she looked up to see the creature writhing in pain, its hand

covering part of its face. It turned and stared at Jess, the one eye visible now burning with an unimaginable fury. It removed its hand, showing her the massive hole of the revolver had blown out of it. A quarter of the beast's head was missing, yet somehow it was still moving. The beast, still crying in pain, began to stumble towards Jess, swinging its arms wildly at her. She turned and crawled towards her revolver as fast as she could. The beast was a lot slower now, only just barely moving faster than Jess while it was on its feet. She could hear and feel the thing getting closer.

The revolver was in arm's reach. Jess reached out as far as she could, only barely able to get the revolver's grip. She turned to see the beast close, moving towards her still flailing its arms. Jess fired twice, both shots entering the beast's chest. It let out a demonic cry. staggered and fell towards her. She let out a cry of pain as the beast fell onto her legs. Jess dropped the revolver next to her, her wrist and pain due to her frantically poor grip

and the power of the cartridge. She leaned forward and tried to push the beast off her. With all her might, Jess was able to get the thing off her. Her hands now soaked in its blood, along with her jeans now stained deep red. Her head was still bleeding heavily, although it seemed to be some miracle the beast had missed her ephemeral artery, for if it hadn't, she would have already been dead. However, she would bleed out if she didn't stop it. Jess had forgotten to pack a trauma kit in her rush to get to the creature, so she had to

improvise. She took the rope out of her bag and wrapped it around the base of her leg. She got the knot ready to be tightened, clenched her teeth, and shut her eyes. Jess pulled as hard as she could, and the rope clenched tight around her leg. She let go of the rope and stopped for a second to wait for the pain to subside. Just took her revolver from the snow and placed it back in its holster. She tried to stand, only for a sharp pain to flash through her leg. The gash left by the creature made it impossible for her to put any weight on it.

Just saw her rifle laying a few feet away from her. She crawled over to it and took hold of it. She removed the magazine and cleared the chamber. She would have to use the rifle as a makeshift crutch, and she wasn't planning on accidentally shooting herself after surviving this hell. She planted the butt of the rifle in the snow and pushed down as hard as she could, barely managing to lift herself off the ground. The pain in Jess's leg was immense, but she knew she had to get moving, else she would

soon die in these woods. Jess limped her way back through the forest. Even in her damaged state, she knew the way back to the house. The makeshift tourniquet on her leg allowed Jess some relief. It had slowed the bleeding, but hadn't stopped it completely. had to ignore the pain and keep moving if she ever wanted to see Frank again and to have her visions of her family come to fruition. Jess could feel her strength beginning to wane, a combination of freezing cold along with

the blood loss. Every muscle in her body burned as she could feel her heart rate began to slow. Her body was begging her to stop, to take a break and lie down. The cold snow is seeming like a warm bed to her. Jess began to lose hope. She still had a long way to go and doubted she'd make it back. She began to slow down. Her head now cast downwards to the ground.

Then she heard something, something that made her bring her gaze back up, that made her heart race, something she couldn't believe. Jess? Jess, where are you? It was Frank. He had left the house to find her, although Jess had no idea what tipped him off to her being in danger. However, that didn't matter right now.

All that mattered was that Frank found her. Frank! The two continued to call out to one another. Jess could hear Frank's voice coming closer. Eventually, she saw him in the distance. Frank quickened his pace when he saw the state Jess was in. He could see her limping with her rifle, a thin trail of blood behind her. Once Frank reached her, he carefully moved her rifle and moved her arm over his shoulder,

supporting her better and allowing her to move faster. Here, I got you. What the hell happened out there? It was a fucking demon, Frank. Jess said, feeling tears beginning to well in her eyes. A demon? Jess, what are you talking about? What did this to you? A demon, Frank. The tracks I saw yesterday belong to it. It almost killed me. Jess could barely get the words out of her mouth. She was losing her strength.

Well, clearly you beat it. That's all that matters. We'll get back to the house and I'll patch you up. You're going to be okay. I'm not letting you die on me. Those words gave Jess a faint smile, even in this dire of a little. his situation, Frank never failed to make her feel safe. However, Jess knew something was wrong. Her vision was fading. Her legs began to buckle. Jess, stay with me, darling.

You're going to be fine. Just keep moving. Frank said quickly, attempting to hide the fear in his voice. It was then that Jess's legs fell out beneath her and she was unable to bring them back up. Frank caught her as she fell. Come on, Jess, you can do it. We got to go. Frank was becoming frantic.

Jess tried again to stand but was completely unable to do. so. Jess's vision began to fade as she was completely immobilized. Yes? Through faded vision, Jess saw herself being carried by Frank. She was barely able to hear what he was saying. Everything was muffled. Her vision began to fade in and out with her hearing.

She was moving in and out of consciousness. Eventually, through faded vision, Jess was able to see the house. Everything then faded to black. Jess awoke back in her house, or so it seemed. She laid next to a fire underneath several blankets. Beneath her was a small mattress, most likely moved from one of the spare rooms. She tried to get up and move, but a sharp pain was sent through her now stiffened leg. Jess removed the blankets to inspect her leg.

The left leg of her jeans had been cut off. Bandages were wrapped tight around the gash left by the beast, stained a deep red, a proper tourniquet wrapped tight just above it. Jess could see that the bleeding had stopped. She called out to Frank. If he were in the same house, he'd want to know that she was awake. No more than a second had passed when Frank came into view. He almost ran to Jess as soon as he saw her, embracing her tightly when he reached her.

Jess, thank God, I thought I'd lost you. I thought you'd never wake back up. Frank's voice was broken, tears welling in his eyes. You passed out completely when I got you in the house. I cleaned your leg and wrapped it as best. I could and kept you by the fire. I did all I could, but I was still terrified. I think deep down I knew he'd be fine.

You always were a fighter." Frank let go of Jess and turned his attention to her leg. Here, let me check your bandages. Frank moved the blankets and inspected the bandages. You're bleeding stopped. That's good. But I need to give you a new set. Frank got up from Jess and got his kit.

Carefully, he cut the bandages from her leg. The large gash across it was still put. prominent, although it had almost completely clotted. Frank wrapped a new set of bandages on tight. Once he was done, he looked back at Jess. Jess, what the hell happened out there? Jess recounted her experience to Frank the best way she could in her weak state, her voice quiet, starting from her leaving the house all the way until Frank had found her. She spared no detail, not even about the beast she had seen. She had no doubt Frank would believe her. Her leg was all the proof he would need. Once she finished, Jess asked Frank a question of her own.

Frank, how did you know I was in danger? Why come find me? It's simple. I could hear you. More specifically, your rifle. I know you're a good shot, and the only reason you would have to shoot that much is if you were in danger, especially after I heard you fire that. Frank pointed his thumb toward the dining room. Jess looked and saw her revolver laying on the table. So naturally I came to find you, and thank God I found you when I did. Jess smiled. Yeah. I had a feeling you'd come. Her smile then fell, a saddened frown taking hold. She turned her head away towards the fire.

I'm sorry, Frank. Jess's voice had become quiet, subdued. I could have gotten myself killed. I should have prepared more, been more careful. I shouldn't have messed with. Frank quickly interrupted. Jess, stop. Jess's head quickly turned back toward Frank. His face far more serious than she had ever seen it.

It's not your fault you got hurt. You couldn't have known what that thing was, and it's only natural for a hunter to chase an unknown trail. You think I wouldn't have done the same thing? Frank let out a small chuckle. Whenever you told me about the tracks, I was jealous. I wouldn't be able to come with you. I just didn't tell you.

I couldn't steal your excitement. Well, I at least could have waited for you. for you to feel better. I should have known it would be dangerous." Jess stammered over her words. Frank quickly replied. Every hunt is dangerous, Jess. Like I said, you couldn't have known this would happen.

Who in their right mind would expect to get attacked by some shape-shifting demon? Once again, if the roles were reversed, I would have gone after it, too. Frank kept his smile at Jess. And if you're still worried about how you could have died, that doesn't matter. You didn't die. you even manage to kill the thing. He kissed Jess on the forehead. You're strong, Jess.

Don't ever forget that. Now, let me help you to bed. It's probably a lot more comfortable than the floor. Frank let down her hand. Jess took it and pulled herself up. Once again, Frank supported her and helped her walk to the bed. The next several weeks blurred themselves together in Jess's mind. She was unable to get up from the bed for the first two

and had to rely on Frank to help her with everything. He brought her food, water, coffee, or anything else she needed. Luckily, with crutches, she just barely managed to get to the bathroom on her own. Every time she got up, she had to convince Frank that she could make it on her own so long as she had the crutches, much to Frank's chagrin. Jess knew Frank was only trying to help, but she never liked having to rely on other people, even her husband. Luckily, a few days after Jess was attacked, Frank had gotten better and was able to hunt. He only needed to once, as the buck Jess had killed provided them with more than enough food for a few weeks. It was only at the beginning of the third week that she was able to walk.

They needed more food, and Jess, although she could walk with a limp, was in no shape to be hunting. Frank would have to go on his own. Jess began to grow concerned as she saw Frank loading his rifle and prepping his bag. Frank looked over at Jess on the couch. He could see her eyes were wider than normal. She was tensely looking out the window, shaking. He had to calm her down somehow. Jess, I'll be okay.

After all, you killed it, right? Frank knelt next to Jess, laying his hand on her shoulder. The thoughts of such a recent event coursed through her mind, a never-ending barrage of images, not only of what she had seen, but also of what could happen to Frank. How do we know that for sure, Frank? What if it survived?

What if there's more of them? Jess looked at Frank, a look of concern painted across her face. Listen, we've been hunting in these woods for years, and neither of us have ever seen anything like that. There must have been only one of them, not only because we've never seen it with our eyes, but we've never seen anything like the trails you saw either. Frank said calmly, never moving his hand or breaking eye contact with Jess. These words put Jess to some ease. Frank was right.

It most likely was only a single occurrence. Not only had Jess never seen something like that before, she'd also never heard of anyone telling a similar story. She had heard other legends of creatures, but nothing like what she had seen. You have a point. Just paused for a second. Yeah, you're right. That thing is gone. Just didn't know whether she believed what she said, or was just trying to convince herself that Frank wasn't in danger.

Just be careful, hon. I'd hate it if something happened to you. I will, Jess. I promise. Frank kissed her and got up, took his rifle and his bag, then walked out the door. She watched through the window as Frank moved out into the snow-laden woods. Her fear somewhat relaxed, but still ever-present. The only thing Jess could do was wait.

It would be best if she found something to distract herself from her thoughts. Jess's eyes panned to the bookcase sitting in the living room, hoping for something to catch her eye. She got up and took a book, but she wasn't looking for anything specific. Just something captivating enough to kill the time. She went back to the couch and laid down, and she began to read. Time quickly slipped away from Jess. She had become captivated with the stories told by the pages. Before she knew it, over an hour and a half had gone by.

However, Jess was immediately pulled to reality by a loud fud on the back door. Her heart began to race. Her mind immediately went to the beast. Slowly and as calmly as she could manage, she put down her book and she put down her book got up from the couch. She went into the bedroom and got her rifle from the cabinet. Keeping her rifle towards the door, she moved to it. Her breathing was heavy and her heart pounding in her throat. She came to the door and opened it slowly. She screamed when she saw him. Frank's body lay in the snow just in front of the door. His head aimed at her. His eyes glazed over. Their irises

as white as snow. A large pool of blood beneath him, beginning to freeze. Just dropped her rifle, rifle and fell to her knees, tears falling down her face. Frank had been disemboweled. A large gash displayed on his stomach. Several large gashes laid along his arms and legs. Just couldn't move. The only thing she could do was wail and hold Frank's corpse. Her head aimed at the ground.

She then saw two black legs move into her field of view. Slowly she looked up and saw the beast standing there. Just didn't have time to react. The beast grabbed her by her throat, pinning her to the ground. She tried her best to scream. In vain hoped someone would hear her and help. However, nobody came. The beast raised its clawed hand, the fire in its eyes burning brighter than ever.

Jess screamed as its arm tore through her chest. Jess woke with a scream. She looked around the room. She was still laying on the couch. The book that was once in her hand had now fallen on the floor next to her. The night terrors she had since she encountered the beast. had still not gone away. Every night was the same.

She'd be back in those woods, back with the beast. However, she'd never be able to escape it, and her death would always be near. However, this was the first one that involved Frank, making it far worse. Just stayed on the couch for a second to calm down. She cupped her face in her hands and sighed. She then got up, limping to the kitchen. She needed coffee. She didn't want to fall asleep again.

the beast was something she dreaded every night. Once her coffee was brewed, Jess knelt back down to the book that lay on the floor. She decided the dining room might be a better place to read. It would be harder to fall asleep in a chair. After another two hours had passed, Frank came back in the house. Hey, managed to get anything? Jess said excitedly. Frank returned Jess's joy. Yeah, I managed to get another book. Damn thing almost got away, though. Frank took his rifle off his shoulder, placing it next to the door. He did the same with his revolver, which laid in a holster in front of his waist. I'll go out and clean it in a bit. He turned his attention back to Jess. How's your leg doing? How about I show you? Jess got up from the chair and stumbled over to

Frank. Jeez, I didn't know you day drank. Frank said, chuckling to himself. Oh, shut up and come here. Jess said, laughing along with Frank. They embraced, and she kissed him on the cheek. Then, Without warning, the image of Frank's body flashed through Jess's mind. His glazed eyes burned into her head. She shuddered. Frank noticed. Hey, are you okay? Frank said with a hint of concern.

What? Yeah, I'm fine. Just been sitting down for a while. My leg still hurts, you know. Jess had told Frank about the nightmares, but she didn't want to tell Frank about this one. She didn't want to retell it and have the scene play in her mind once again. The rest of the day went by normally. Frank skinned and cleaned his kill before serving it for dinner.

Jess and Frank talked and played games just as they had been doing for the past few weeks. Then they went to bed. The next few months were the same. Once Jess's leg healed, the two hunted together, neither of them wanting the other to go alone, just in case the beast was still out there. Eventually, the bitter cold was washed away by the calm rains of spring, followed then by the harsh heat of summer. The memory of what had happened that day never left Jess's mind, but her fear of ever seeing

the thing again did. If it wanted to find them, to kill them, it would have done so already. It was a warm summer's morning when Jess and Frank went out to hunt together. They had found tracks left in the loose soil and were tracking whatever left them. Eventually they passed a clearing, the same one where Jess had first shot at the beast. She looked over it. memories of that day playing through her mind. Frank noticed her gaze. Hey, you still with me, Jess? What? Yeah, I was just thinking. Just looked back at Frank, trying her best to hide her thoughts.

However, Frank knew her too well. Don't worry about it, Jess. That thing is long gone. Frank said with a smile. Yeah, I know. Jess returned his smile. But the worry is still there, as unreasonable as it is. I know. I ain't expecting you to forget about it. Just, no. We're safe. The two continued walking, following the trail, absentmindedly talking about whatever they thought of. Then Jess paused. She noticed something toward the edge of her vision.

She looked harder, then quickly took her rifle off her shoulder and aimed it at the thing. Frank heard her gasp and her breath quicken and turned readying his rifle as well. Jess, what's up? You see the deer? No, Frank. It's back. Just centered her aim on a buck, twice as long. large as normal. Its eyes of fire.

It's back, Frank. That goddamn demon is back. Jess's voice was calm, feeling safer with Frank and more confident in her abilities. Frank aimed his rifle at the thing too. Damn it, your call. What should we do? Jess was silent. She wanted so badly to shoot at the thing, to kill it just as she had before. But she did it before, and it came back, who said if she were to kill it again that it wouldn't just come back after her again. Jess, come on, talk to me.

It wasn't moving, only staring. Jess, you want me to shoot it or not? Jess remembered that day, the pain she had endured, her leg that took over a month to heal fully, and the nightmare she endured for twice as long. Jess lowered her aim but didn't break eye contact with the creature. No, lower your gun. Frank looked at her in confusion. Are you sure?

What if it comes at us? It won't. If it wanted us dead, it would have attacked already. It wouldn't have let us see it. It's only watching us. Just pause and remembered what had antagonized the creature in the first place. It only attacked me when I shot at it first. Before then, it was only following me.

It could have been waiting for a good time to attack, Frank said, a mix of confusion and concern in his voice. It could be doing the same right now. That's a possibility, but not a likely one. Like I said, it wouldn't have let us see it. Jess put her rifle back over her shoulder and signaled Frank to do the same. Let's just keep going after our animal and just keep an eye on that thing in the process. The two watched as the fire in the creature's eyes was snuffed out. It then turned and walked away from them.

Frank lit out a relieved sigh. Good call, Jess. If I were here alone, I definitely wouldn't have passed that shot up. Let's get going. The two managed to find the herd of deer. left the tracks, managing to score two kills, enough food for a month. It was around this time that Jess brought up the idea of starting a family. However, both agreed that teaching their kids in an environment that had such a dangerous

and unpredictable creature was not a wise idea, even if the creature seemed peaceful unless provoked. It was a risk that they were not willing to take. It was the end of summer that the arrangements were made. They packed their belongings and left their old home behind. They started their journey to a new point in their life, on the other side of the country, far from the horrors of the past. They were able to sell their old land and house, both of which were still in exceptionally good condition.

The new plot of land lay no more than a few miles out of a small town, one with good schooling and safety, one perfect for a family that should no longer subsist off the land exclusively. Their new house was much larger than the old one, two stories and three bedrooms, perfect for their ideal family, several years had passed since the day that left Jess with a new scar, one with a far more interesting story than the one left by the bear. Everyone she told it to always brushed it off as ghost stories, but that excuse could never explain the scar. Jess and Frank now had a steady family, two kids, their son, Caden, and their daughter, Andrea.

Just as Jess had seen all those years ago, her and Frank had jobs inside the town they called home, and were also able to make a good amount of money in hunting. Caden was now old enough to begin hunting himself, with help from his parents, of course. It was the night before they were supposed to bring him out to teach him the basics, hopefully getting him a kill. Frank had already gone to bed, and Jess was readying herself in the bathroom. She then walked out, seeing Frank already asleep. She smiled to herself.

Her life was good, and she couldn't have been happier. She walked over to the window, looking down at the tree line that lay a few yards away, she then saw something in the darkness. At the edge of the woods stood a buck, twice as large as normal. Dim embers burning in its eyes. It regarded her silently for a moment. Then turned and walked away into the forest.