Wolf of Stone novel Chapter 1

Your best friend is like a drug. They tempt you with ideas and trick you into forgetting about the consequences, influencing your mind, and rooting devious schemes into every action made.

Or at least that was how I described my best friend. She was a wild and to my horror adventurous girl. She pushed me against my limits and made me experience the joys of life even though I would much rather stay at home, buried deep under my silky sheets with my phone screen marking the words 'Kindle'.

I never found interest in many things in my life. I was happy enough to say I at least had a favourite colour, not much else interested me.

Especially the outdoors.

But that of course didn't stop Liza from dragging me out of bed on a bright Saturday morning and forcing me into some hiking gear she bought.

Her words that morning would forever circulate in my mind like an overbearing song that just wouldn't stop playing.

"We're going hiking to see the garden of the wolves. You can't say no! I took your phone, and you won't get it back until we're back home."

The smile on her face was so broad that it reminded me of the Grinch who stole Christmas. Undeniably proud of herself.

There was a moment where I threw every curse word known to man at her to discourage her from taking me, but it was futile. My heart always gave in to the people I cared about. Was I being gullible? Who cared? If it wasn't dangerous, I didn't really mind keeping her company.

Scratch that... I did mind. My precious time that could've been spent reading was spent doing something tiring!

Even staring at her pitifully the entire time we were preparing didn't affect her decision in the slightest, not that I was surprised.

The thought of hiking made me depressed though! I could barely handle being in a public area with overflowing people and now she wanted me to be in a forest overflowing with trees and animals!? I've read enough stories to know the ridiculousness of what happens in a forest. Too many scenarios were flashing through my mind. Kidnapping, animal attacks, serial killers, and the list went on...

Yes, I may have been a bit overdramatic but who wouldn't when it came to hiking of all things? Even the word alone caused my heart to weep in despair.

Unfortunately, for the sake of getting my phone back or so I liked to tell myself, I appeased to Liza's wild side, gave in, and dressed into the clothes she supplied to me.

Now, two hours later, I found myself trudging begrudgingly through the tall trees and moist dirt with an excited Liza leading the way, map in hand.

The forest of Sylia was a sight for sore eyes with its rich vegetation, adorable critters, and vibrant colours, but the rumours surrounding the village for many years have managed to keep the people at bay.

It was the first thing Liza and I discovered when moving into the superstitious town a few months ago.

I rolled my eyes and grimaced at the mud that clung to my sneakers, shaking my foot a little, "Yeah I wonder why you aren't as smart as those life respecting people."

She snorted, "You need fun in your life, you're boring."

"And you need Jesus, but you don't see me complaining."

She laughed and ran ahead, shouting over her shoulder, "Meet you at the entrance of the cave!"

A groan escaped my lips as she slipped out of view. I shouted, "What freaking cave!? I don't have a map for this forest!"

No response came back, and I begrudgingly found myself running at full speed to catch up with the high-spirited donkey. My muscles were about ready to give up on me at this point.

Through my mini pauses and multiple swear words from stumps and branches I stumbled over or crashed into, I finally caught up to Liza as she leaned against a tree that stood near a dark entrance into a hill. A bottle of water resided in her hand.

I glared at her once I caught the smile on her lips and tugged the bottle out of her hands, all the while mumbling nonsense beneath my breath. Words along the lines of 'this was not how I imagined my Saturday morning going. Liza would definitely regret this.'