Page 21 of Ruthless God

“Not necessarily. It’s just kind of odd, ya know?”

He gives my hand a small squeeze, but doesn’t answer.

We keep walking, the path beneath us narrowing as we move deeper into the woods. At first, I don’t mind. The night is quiet, the air crisp, and for a while, it almost feels peaceful.

But then I notice the chill seeping through my clothes. Even though it’s May, the temperature drops the further we go, the dense canopy above swallowing the last remnants of warmth. And when I glance over my shoulder, my stomach clenches.

The parking lot? Gone. The glow of streetlights? Nowhere in sight.

Just darkness. Trees. Him.

A slow unease creeps up my spine, coiling tight in my gut.

What in the hell am I doing?

This is a terrible idea. Every instinct is screaming at me now, but it’s like my body is a step behind my brain, just catching up to the reality of the situation.

I should?—

“We’re here.”

We come to a stop, and I suck in a breath.

Before us, nestled in the quiet embrace of the woods, is a small pond. The water shimmers beneath the moonlight, liquid silver rippling with the softest breeze. The air hums with the rhythmic chirp of crickets and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures, creating a sound that is both soothing and eerie.

For a moment, my unease wavers.

The scene is beautiful, almost dreamlike, like we’ve stepped into a hidden world untouched by time.

I wrap my arms around myself, unsure if it’s from the chill or the lingering tension still curling at the edges of my mind.

“Wow. I didn’t know this was here.”

“I’m sure many people don’t, since it’s past the main entrance and trails.”

He unfolds the blanket, giving it a quick shake before laying it across the cool ground. The fabric settles, soft against the earth, as he drops the bag beside it with an effortless motion. Then he sits, patting the space next to him.

I hesitate for just a second before lowering myself down, the chill of the night seeping through the fabric beneath me. Instinctively, I glance up and my breath catches. Above us, the sky unfurls like a masterpiece. There’s just enough of a clearing for the stars to break through the darkness, pinpricks of silver scattered across an endless canvas.

For a moment, everything feels still. Quiet.

Almost safe.

“This is beautiful.”

“It is,” he answers, looking right at me.

I snort before I can stop myself.

“What?”

“Just a bit cheesy.” I cross my legs, resting my elbows on my knees. “So, Ghosty, are you going to tell me your name?”

He hums under his breath. “I like Ghosty.”

“You have a habit of deflecting. Did you know that?”

“Do I?”

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