A fourteen year old girl sat down in the back of the bus as she rode it through the town of Worthington, Ohio. She had light brown skin, raven black hair and light brown eyes.

She gazed out of the window, enjoying the familiar sights and sounds of her hometown. Worthington, Ohio was a charming little town with its old-fashioned buildings and tree-lined streets. As the bus made its way through the bustling town center, the girl couldn't help but reminisce about all the memories she had here.

The bus slowly passed by the local park, where children were playing on the swings and families were having picnics on the grass. The vibrant colors of the blooming flowers added a touch of beauty to the scenery, reminding the girl of the countless afternoons she had spent there as a child.

Next, the bus drove past the historic Worthington Inn, a beloved landmark in town. The inn had stood there for centuries, exuding an air of elegance and character. Paige remembered attending weddings and community events held in the inn's grand ballroom, never failing to be enchanted by its timeless charm.

Finally, the bus made its way through the residential area, passing by cozy houses with well-manicured lawns. The girl couldn't help but smile as she recognized familiar faces outside, waving at neighbors as they tended to their gardens or walked their dogs. It was moments like these that made Worthington feel like a close-knit community, where everyone knew each other.

As the bus continued its journey, the girl couldn't shake off the feeling of nostalgia. Worthington held a special place in her heart, filled with cherished memories and a sense of belonging. She was grateful for the opportunity to ride through her hometown and be reminded of the beauty and familiarity it offered.

Lost in her thoughts, the girl's bus ride through Worthington, Ohio continued, taking her on a journey down memory lane that she would hold onto for years to come.

The bus driver stopped in front of the school. The doors opened with a hiss and the girl hopped off.

"Finally!" A voice said and she looked over as two sixteen year old kids and a fifteen year old boy walked over. The sixteen year old girl had porcelain skin, black hair with turquoise streaks and deep teal eyes.

The sixteen year old boy had pale ivory skin, black hair and deep green eyes. The fifteen year old boy had blonde hair and deep teal eyes.

"Hello to you too, Luna," the fourteen year old girl chuckled, "miss me that much?" "Wouldn't dream of going on this trip alone, Paige," the blonde boy snickered.

The black-haired boy rolled his eyes and he smiled at Paige. "Well, at least we won't have to do it alone!" He wrapped his arms around the girls's shoulders, "because we've got each other!"

"Someone's optimistic today," Luna smirked with amusemement.

"Race you inside!" Jairo laughed before he ran inside. "Hey, no fair!" Draven exclaimed with a pout as he ran after the blonde.

Paige smiled as Luna shook her head and the two girls followed the boys inside.

As they followed the boys, Paige noticed a raven perched outside the school window. Its piercing gaze seemed to lock onto hers, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Hey, Paige, what's wrong?" Luna asked, noticing her friend's sudden unease.

Paige hesitated, unsure how to explain the eerie feeling. "Just...that raven. It's staring at me."

Luna followed her gaze. "Weird. Maybe it's just looking for food."

But Paige couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

As they entered their classroom, the teacher, Mrs. Thompson, began discussing the day's lesson. Paige tried to focus, but her mind wandered back to the raven.

During the lesson, Paige caught glimpses of the raven, its presence unsettling. She wondered if anyone else noticed it.

At lunchtime, the group sat together in the cafeteria, discussing their plans for the weekend.

"I'm thinking of checking out that new hiking trail," Draven said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Count me in," Jairo replied, already imagining the adventure.

Luna nodded, her teal eyes shining. "I'm game if Paige is."

Paige smiled, feeling grateful for her friends. "Sounds like fun."

Just as they were about to leave the cafeteria, Paige spotted the raven again, this time perched outside the window nearest their table.

Its gaze locked onto hers, and Paige felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding.

"Guys, I think we should get out of here," Paige said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they left the cafeteria, the raven took flight, its wings beating ominously.

The group exchanged uneasy glances, sensing that something was amiss.

After school, Paige, Luna, Draven, and Jairo gathered at the school entrance, eager to embark on their hiking adventure.

"I'm so down for this," Jairo said, adjusting his backpack.

"Me too," Luna agreed. "Need some fresh air."

Draven grinned. "And some quality time with nature." Paige smiled, shouldering her backpack. "Let's get moving."

As they walked to the trailhead, the sun began its descent, casting a warm orange glow over Worthington.

The group chatted and laughed, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Upon reaching the trailhead, they began their ascent, winding through dense foliage and crossing shallow streams.

"Wow, this is gorgeous," Luna breathed, pausing to take in the scenery.

Draven nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Told you it'd be worth it."

As they continued hiking, the trees grew taller, casting long shadows across the forest floor.

Paige felt a sense of peace wash over her, the stresses of school melting away.

Suddenly, a raven swooped down, its wings beating loudly. The group startled, laughing nervously.

"What's up with these ravens today?" Jairo asked, chuckling.

Paige's smile faltered, recalling the raven from earlier. "Just coincidence, I guess."

As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over the forest, the group decided to take a break.

They settled near a clearing, snacking and sharing stories.

The atmosphere remained lighthearted until Paige noticed the raven again, perched atop a nearby tree.

Its gaze seemed to bore into her soul.

"Guys, I think we should keep moving," Paige suggested, her voice low.

Draven raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

Paige hesitated, unsure how to explain her unease.

Just then, a faint cry echoed through the forest.

The group exchanged concerned glances.

"What was that?" Luna asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

As the group ventured deeper into the forest, the cry grew louder.

"Sounds like someone's hurt," Draven said, already moving toward the sound.

The others followed, their hearts racing with concern.

They found a 17-year-old lying on the ground, almond brown skin pale and dotted with dark brown freckles.

"Hey, are you okay?" Paige asked, rushing to their side.

The teen's dark hazel brown hair was matted with dirt and leaves.

Their deep, dark brown eyes fluttered open, filled with confusion and pain.

Paige gently turned the teen's head, checking for injuries.

A small, delicate necklace caught her eye – a tiny pendant with the name "Israel" engraved on it.

"Israel?" Paige whispered, using the name.

Israel – Izzy – nodded weakly.

"Izzy," Paige repeated, smiling softly.

Luna rushed to her backpack. "We have water."

Draven carefully helped Izzy sit up, while Jairo examined their injuries.

"Looks like a nasty fall," Jairo said, his brow furrowed.

Paige gently took Izzy's hand. "We're here to help. What happened?"

Izzy's gaze drifted, their eyes clouding. "Don't...remember."

As the group tended to Izzy's wounds, Paige noticed the raven watching from a nearby tree.

Its gaze seemed to hold a mixture of curiosity and warning.

"Guys, we should get Izzy out of here," Paige said, her voice low.

Draven nodded. "Agreed. Let's get them to a hospital."

As they carefully lifted Izzy, the raven took flight, disappearing into the trees.

Izzy's eyes locked onto Paige's, their expression haunted.

"Run," Izzy whispered, their voice barely audible.

"What's going on, Izzy?" Luna asked, concern etched on her face. Izzy's gaze faltered, their eyes closing as they leaned into Draven's support.

The group exchanged worried glances before they continued to hurry Izzy to the hospital.