“Don’t be such a spoilsport, Ava,” Logan teased.

“Don’t do it, it’s not worth it!” Sienna shrieked.

Ava rolled her eyes. “This is ridiculous. I’ll do this one, but no more such silly dares,”

She shot a warning glance at Logan.

“No promises,” Logan replied with a wink.

Sienna bit her lip as she glanced around nervously at the looming shadows. Logan and Ava were always competing. Would trying to stop Ava make any difference? They wouldn’t listen anyway.

Their car had broken down hours ago in the woods. Rather than accessing their predicament, Logan and Ava had immediately launched into their usual battle of wits, each trying to outdo the other with crazier dares.

“It’s nearly midnight,” Sienna muttered under her breath, “This is the last place to be messing around,”

The rustle of leaves in the wind seemed louder now, as though trying to pass on a warning message.

Sienna watched as Ava boldly walked to the cabin. Couldn’t Logan have thought of anything better than sending Ava to a cottage rumored to be haunted?

Deep within, Sienna admired Ava’s strength.

“Won’t you try to stop her?” Sienna asked Logan as Ava neared the cottage.

Logan turned towards her, a playful smile on his lips. “Not yet – once she gets what I need, it will all be over,”

“Sorry?” Sienna questioned, her brow furrowing, a puzzled look appearing on her face.

Logan smirked.

Sienna froze. Did she imagine it, or did Logan’s eyes flash crimson for an instant?

Sienna turned her attention to Ava.

Ava had no intention of turning back. She laughed to herself as she made up dares for Logan. As she approached the cabin, she couldn’t help but admire the intricate work on the outside. There were beautiful carvings and writings in a language she didn’t understand. Right above the door was an inscription carved in delicate yet weathered script that read: “Beware what you seek, for it seeks you too.”

Lightning flashed as she ran her hand over the carvings, making Ava jump out of her skin. A twig suddenly snapped behind her.

She glanced back. In the dark, she could only see Logan’s silhouette. Sienna was probably hiding in the shadows, Ava thought. She chuckled to herself.  

She faced the cottage and took a deep breath. Placing her hand on the door, she pushed roughly. The door creaked and groaned as it swung open. She fished her phone from her pocket for the flashlight. The screen stubbornly stayed black. Ava cursed, hitting the back of the phone with her palm in frustration.

She glanced into the cabin, debating whether she should walk in, or simply around and head back to the duo waiting for her.

Suddenly, a blood-curling scream sounded from within the cottage, not far from Ava, and something fell near her feet. Ava froze, her heart pounding.

As her eyes adjusted to the lump on the floor, she gulped. With a wave of panic, she realized the lump was a human body.

Lightning flashed, and Ava saw the face.

An otherwise beautiful face, slightly freckled, with a sharp jawline now held a look of extreme terror.

Ava gulped in horror, goosebumps crawling over her skin.

“S…Sienna?” her voice trembled, barely above a whisper.

In the dark, Ava saw a slow smile forming on Sienna’s lips as her eyes glowed crimson.