Mark of the Chosen (Patreon)

“Something in the atmosphere shifted.Suddenly, it no longer felt like I was anywhere near the mountains I had been investigating.It was as if time itself had slipped - no longer flowing as it should.

That’s when I saw it.

A brutal crimson gash in the bark of a tree. My heart sank.I tried to rationalize that it must’ve been made by a large bear in some kind of rage,but something deep within me knew the truth.Something about it felt intentional.Familiar.

A chill ran through me as a sick certainty took shape:it was meant for me.

Cold, distilled dread gripped me as I snapped back to reality -remembering how far I was from my car,from anyone who could possibly help.

It deepened to something stomach-churningwhen I noticed the sun had already begun to set.

Just moments ago, the sun had been high above me. I could’ve sworn it was around noon.But now, without warning, the sky had dimmed. Shadows stretched long across the forest floor.

And worst of all…I felt the gaze.

It was near. Watching.Urging me to run.

I obliged.I didn’t dare look back.I knew I was no longer alone.

And maybe… I never had been.My fate was sealed long before I saw that mark.”