Chapter 4

Denise was outside the school building, fumbling with the straps of her backpack. Since her family had relocated to Arazona, she had been dreading this day for weeks. She stood out like a sore thumb and didn't know anyone.

Denise inhaled deeply and entered the school hallway, where she was instantly overcome by the commotion and loudness. In an attempt to orient herself, she glanced about and noticed him. He was joking with his friends while he stood near his locker.

His brown hair was disheveled, and his amused blue eyes shone brightly. As their eyes locked, Denise's heart skipped a beat and she averted her gaze in embarrassment. However, Denise couldn't get rid of the sensation that the youngster was observing her as she made her way through the hallways in search of her first-period class. Every time she caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of her eye, their eyes briefly locked before she averted her gaze. Denise didn't have the guts to approach him until lunchtime, though. He approached and took a seat across from her as she was attempting to eat her sandwich by herself at a table. He smiled and said, "Hey, I'm Alex," to her. "I noticed you today at school. I take it you're new? Denise, a little bashful, nodded. "Yeah, I just moved here from California." Alex's eyes became wide with shock. "Not at all! California has always been on my travel bucket list. Why did you relocate here? Denise gave a shrug. This is where my dad obtained a job. However, I'm still getting used to it. Alex gave a kind nod. "I understand your feelings.

A few years ago, I also relocated here. Now, though, I adore this place. Something about this place is just a little bit unusual. Denise's eyebrow went up. "Different? "What do you mean?" With a playful twinkle in his eye, Alex drew closer. To put it simply, Arazona has secrets. However, I believe you will enjoy this place. You appear to be the type of person who can manage a small amount of mystery. Alex's eyes met Denise's, and she felt a chill go through her. She wondered what secrets he was discussing and if she was truly prepared to deal with them. Denise began to feel more comfortable around Alex as they conversed.

He appeared to know just how to cheer her up, and he was funny and charming. However, Denise saw something that chilled her to the bone just as things were beginning to feel normal. She was being closely observed by a figure across the cafeteria. The black-eyed woman from the town square was the one. And a sly smile was developing across her face as she looked directly at Denise. Denise looked to Alex, her heart pounding. She tried to speak steadily as she muttered, "Who is that?" Alex's demeanor shifted as he followed her gaze. "I don't know," he responded in a solemn, low voice. However, I believe we ought to leave this place.

"Now." Denise couldn't get rid of the feeling that she was in serious danger as they hurriedly packed up and left the cafeteria. She also suspected that Alex was keeping something from her that may completely alter her life. Alex seemed to sense Denise's discomfort as they left the cafeteria. With a gentle tone of worry, he said, "Hey, are you okay?" Uncertain of how much to divulge, Denise paused. When she eventually said, "I just saw that woman again," "The one whose eyes are black. She was observing me. Alex's face became serious. "I know who you're talking about," he replied. "Arachne is her name. She's not from this area. Denise's gaze expanded. She questioned, "What do you mean?" Alex paused, scanning his surroundings anxiously. "I don't think we should talk about this here," he responded. "Let's go somewhere else." With some apprehension, Denise nodded. What did Alex have to conceal from her? Alex appeared to know exactly where he was going as they made their way through the school's hallways.

He guided Denise to a tiny, private patio that was concealed behind the school. Tall trees encircled the courtyard, which was teeming with unusual, exotic vegetation. Denise thought she had entered a new reality. "So, what's going on?" Denise turned to Alex and inquired. Alex inhaled deeply. His words, "Arachne is...a guardian," "She's been watching you, waiting for you to arrive." Denise's gaze expanded. "Are you waiting on me? "What do you mean?" Alex paused, scanning his surroundings anxiously. His words, "You're...special, Denise," "You have a role to play in something much bigger than yourself." Denise felt as though she had too many questions. What was Alex trying to say? What function was she expected to fulfill? Alex's eyes met hers before she could question any of them.

He said, "Denise, I have to tell you something," in a somber and hushed voice. "Something that could change everything." As Denise waited for Alex to continue, her heart was pounding. However, a loud noise reverberated throughout the courtyard as he opened his mouth to speak. It was the sound of heavy, purposeful footsteps.

And they were drawing nearer. There was a spark of panic in Denise's eyes when they met Alex's. Whispering, "What's going on?" Alex had a pallid face. His words, "I think we're in trouble," Everything turned black after that. Denise experienced a wave of panic as her world went dark. What was going on? Who was behind the footsteps? When Denise regained consciousness, she was in an unfamiliar, poorly lit room. Strange machines beeped all around her as she lay on a chilly metal table. Denise noticed a man standing in the shadows as she sat up, attempting to orient herself. Though his eyes were different, it was Alex.

They appeared to be... colder. "Alex, what's going on?" Trying to maintain a steady tone, Denise demanded. With a menacing gleam in his eyes, Alex took a step forward. "You're a very special person, Denise," stated the man. "You possess a gift. A present that has the power to alter the path of human history. Denise's thoughts were racing. What kind of present was Alex referring to? To "change the course of human history"—what did he mean by that? Denise noticed something that chilled her as she gazed into Alex's eyes. Something that alerted her to the seriousness of her situation.

Denise opened her mouth to say something, but Alex's expression altered. His skin appeared to... change, and a bright, unearthly light flashed in his eyes. The sound of Denise's own heart thumping in her ears drowned out her cry. The person she was staring at was no longer Alex. Something else was involved. Something hideous. The monstrosity that was once Alex spoke in a voice that was not its own, and Denise watched in fear. It said, "Welcome, Denise," "I had been anticipating your arrival. You're just in time to see the finale just getting started. The thing then held up its hand, and Denise experienced an odd, throbbing energy. Denise felt her reality darken again as the energy engulfed her. This time, however, she was aware that she would never be the same.

The creature's voice, whispering in her ear, was the last sound she heard. "Denise, the change has started. Soon, you'll be among us.