Briar kept walking through the woods, despite the feeling of being watched. She knew something was very, very off here. I should've gone with Shelly. Dang it, Briar! You're gonna get yourself killed! She thought, picking up the pace of her walk. The thing, or whatever it was that was following her, did the same, and she broke into a sprint. It laughed grunted angrily behind her, and did the same. It gained until she felt it's hot breath on her neck. Adrenaline pumping through her veins, she tried to run faster, but tripped. She turned over so she was laying on her back, staring up at the thing. It towered over her, and was smirking down at her with burning amber eyes. It looked human, but she could tell that they weren't. "Hey there. What's a pretty girl like you doing out in the woods all alone?" His voice was deep and mysterious. "It's nice to finally meet you, Briar."

"L-leave me alone!" Briar shouted, crawling back.

"How about... no." He took another step toward her and Briar braced herself for whatever would happen next. She didn't know what it would be, just that it definetly wouldn't be good.

Suddenly, shadows rushed up from around her and created a barrier between them. He glared daggers at her. Briar stared, shocked, as the shadows started pushing him away until he had to retreat into the woods. As soon as he'd left her sight, the shadows disappeared. Briar glanced around, looking for someone to thank, but saw nothing. There was no one there. No disturbances where someone could've stood, no sounds signaling someone had left. I didn't do that, right? There's no way.... She continued to glance around desperately. Oh gosh, did I do that!?!? Briar stood up and glanced down at her outstretched hands. Her head was racing with questions as she attempted not to have a panic attack. What if she had done that? Who was that man? What did he want? How did he know her name? Why was all of this happening to her? What was this weird feeling in her chest? She hadn't realized it until now. Her heart was pumping heavily, her breath hitching. And there was this weird feeling, like pressure on her heart. She took in a gasp of air. So much was happening so fast. She couldn't have magic, she just couldn't! Briar forced herself to calm down, regulate her breathing. It was going to be fine. She'd figure this out. But it makes sense. She thought. Her interest in the woods, where the creatures lived, her fascination for magic, how she thought that people who had magic weren't that bad. Maybe that's why the man came after her. But she couldn't be sure. Not until she tried using magic.

Briar made sure no one was nearby before she even allowed herself to think about the strange shadow magic. Okay, just focus. She took in a deep breath and listened to her own instructions. All she had to do was focus on making the shadows appear. Even though she wished so badly it was just some traveler who didn't want to take the credit for saving her. What followed proved to her that it definetly wasn't. Shadows swirled up around her, flying up and around through the air. Her mind immediately fogged with shock and they disappeared again. "No no no this can't be happening!" Briar shouted, collapsing. She couldn't have powers! She'd be killed, or banished. This had to be a dream. Though she knew it wasn't, she wanted it to be more than anything else. If anyone found out, she would be doomed. I have to keep this quiet. No one can know. She pulled herself back to her feet and began walking back to town. She had powers. She possessed magic. And to make it all worse, her Dad was the mayor of her magic despising town.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

By the time Briar walked into the park, her head was still buzzing. Shelly saw her and engulfed her in a hug, shortly followed by Willow and Jace. "What took you so long?" Willow asked, stepping back, shortly followed by Jace looking her over and worriedly adding, "What happened?"

Briar hesitated. These three could read her like a book, but she really hoped they wouldn't be able to right now. "I got stuck in a bramble thicket in the forest and tripped. Sorry it took so long." She lied, trying to scramble something together through her mess of thoughts.

"It's fine," Jace replied after a second with a shrug. "But you really shouldn't go out into the forest. You know it's against the rules. There are monsters and magic-users out there." He sounded worried. If only they knew that they were talking to one right now. Something told her the conversation wouldn't be going the same way.

The man watched Briar talk to the other little weaklings. She shouldn't be with them. They weren't like her. They didn't get her. If they knew what she was capable of, they'd run off screaming in seconds. He let out a sigh and changed his attention of her friends to just her. Her soft, long brown hair, deep blue eyes. She really is beautiful... He shook his head as soon as the thought entered it. That wasn't what he was here for. He just needed to bring her back. "As long as it takes." He repeated the alpha's words under his breath. The man smirked. This is going to be fun.

Briar still felt like she was being watched. She glanced around behind her, but no one was there, other than a few little kids and their parents. She passed it off as paranoia and turned back to her friends. "So, school's out soon," She began.

"It's so weird that next year we're going to be seniors." Willow replied.

"But it'll be nice, at the same time. We can finally be rid of homework!" Shelly laughed, and the others joined in.

"I really just can't wait to get out of this town, to be honest." Briar stated. They all stared at her, shocked.

"Wait, you want to leave?" Jace asked, confused.

"Well, yeah." Briar wasn't quite sure as to why they were so worried and confused. "I thought you guys would be too."

"No way! I'm not going out there!" Willow retorted.

"Yeah, me neither! I can't believe you'd even think about going out there!" Shelly agreed. Briar suppressed an eyeroll. Of course. Her friends had never liked her exploring, and refused to go with her. She didn't know why them not wanting to leave had surprised her. She glanced up at the sun, which was beginning to dip below the trees.

"Shoot! I'm supposed to be getting home now, and you guys probably should too. It's getting dark." Briar said. Her parents were quite strict on her curfew, and that was soon. They said their goodbyes and went their own ways. Little did Briar know, she wasn't alone.

Okay, 1176 words. Not half bad. Still think I could've done better. I hope y'all are enjoying so far! Aight, that's all I got. Enjoy!