Welcome to a new section in The Ravenna High Times called "Raven Writers". This is a new section where reader can enjoy a continuous story published in each issue. The story is written by Cheyanne Foster, a sophomore at Ravenna High School.

Cheyanne Foster is a sophomore at RHS, and this is her first year writing for the newspaper. She enjoys performing for the Drama Club, as well as playing volleyball, pickleball, softball, and occasionally basketball. Her favorite pastimes are reading, drawing, watching TV, cooking, baking, and learning about both animal and human anatomy. Cheyanne was a part of the student council her freshman year. She plans on attending KSU, majoring in Zoology, and having a minor in theater performance. Cheyanne enjoys spending time with God, and her family and friends.

The Hidden Wolf

Written by Cheyanne Foster

I awoke before the sun, a clear fog smothering my window. It’s the same routine: wake up, brush your teeth, throw on a shirt and sweatpants, quickly eat breakfast, and I’m out the door. However, the atmosphere felt different today. Special, as if something good was going to happen.

The school halls were swallowing me as I rushed to my first class, panting as I set my bookbag down. I didn’t care about my crazy hair, nor did I worry about the teacher giving me a bothersome look. We were assigned a book to read, and I patiently flipped through the pages, waiting for the bell to ring.

Lunchtime inevitably arrived, and my stomach couldn’t be more ecstatic. I shifted in the line eagerly, until I heard that captivating voice. Before me stood Keiran Davis, my crush. His medium-length dark hair fell over his brown eyes, casting a light shadow over his face. After a moment of silence, he said, “Are you going to the Halloween party tonight?” I contained the deluge of emotions by “nonchalantly” nodding. After that, I devoured my lunch, then proceeded with more tedious assignments for the remaining three hours.

A cool, rejuvenating breeze washed over the neighborhood. The clock reached seven, telling me that it was time to get ready for the party. On my wardrobe were haphazardly scattered clothes; the glitter from my purple dress shining from the sunlight peering through my window. I planned fairy ears and white, sparkly heels. After an hour and a half of getting dressed and nitpicking in the mirror, it was time to leave.

I found myself walking into one of the most decorative houses I’ve ever seen. To my left, multiple arrangements of cobwebs spread across the walls, and to the right, a black cauldron filled with boiling green liquid. The thundering music quickly found itself blasting into my ears.

 The girl who hosted this party was serving the most inviting-looking food. On the table displayed cookies, spooky themed brownies, plastic bowls for pasta, meatballs for accompaniment, two liter bottles of six different types of sodas, and flavored chips. Of course, I couldn’t help myself. As I munched on my food, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“So, what do you think?” Keiran’s voice replayed in my head. He was clad in an onyx suit, paired with silver jewelry. His curls were pushed away from his face; creating an ominous look as the red light shone upon him.

“It’s nice.. just a typical Halloween party,” I replied. Along with the food, butterflies took over my stomach, and I stared at the floor in order to avoid any eye contact. 

“How about we go for a walk?” 

I suppose the party wasn’t important anymore! My cheeks burned as I grinned, and the room became too warm to handle. We stepped outside; I could feel the others’ piercing gazes. The frigid air welcomed us, the night stars were as dazzling as my dress. After once-in-a-minute conversations, Kieran halted.

“What’s wrong, Kieran?”

He shook and lowered his head. I reached for his arm, but it trembled so badly that I could not hold it firmly. A fiery sensation burned through my hand. All of a sudden, a growl reverberated around the dark neighborhood, and the trees swayed even harder. I didn’t see the boy I liked anymore. Before me stood a hairy, shivering creature. A rough snout protruded from his face, and ears appeared from his skull. 

It was a nightmare. His eyes were like embers..I couldn’t remove myself from the sight. Filthy teeth dug deep into my arm, tearing away sinew. The ground seemed so inviting. The last piece of memory was a salivating hellhound hovering over my body, preparing, until I succumbed to slumber.