Two Halves Series by Marta Szemik Page A

preparation for a hunt. The noises teased my eardrums as nature wrapped itself around me. Finally I gave in, and my ears perked up, intent to hear sounds from the darker depths of the woods. The forest overpowered my mind.
    My breathing quickened as I took in scents of the fresh green moss on the north side of the trees; the cool mist that blew from a nearby lake, carrying the scent of water lilies and algae; and in front of me, the over-sweet aroma of almost burnt toasted golden-brown marshmallows. I inhaled deeper, recognizing the sulphur of the Yellowstone geysers spitting steam and hot water. My heartbeat sped up even more. The pulse of nature—of life—pierced my skin, penetrating deep into my organs, giving me strength and vigour I hadn’t thought possible. I absorbed the energy around me to enhance my senses.
    The forest inhabitants knew what I was and kept their distance. My mouth watered when I thought about the sleeping elk three miles away. Would its blood thicken when it entered my mouth? My tongue slid across the inside of my upper lip when my gaze focused on someone’s jugular. I swallowed in a dry throat as my eyes rose to the face of someone I’d dared to think of as a victim. The vampire instincts awoke.
    Holding my head still, I peeked right, then left. All eyes were still on Mr. Boyle. I slid my right hand into the pocket of my shorts and wrapped my fingers around the familiar shape of the syringe. I’d done it so many times before to suppress my vampire side, no one would notice. I took the shot from the inside of my pocket. The serum spread through my body like cold water, cooling my veins. My breathing slowed, my heart rate steadied, and I heard Mr. Boyle concluding his story. Mira frowned at my audible sigh, then turned her attention back toward the fire.
    The clouds above flowed to the east, and starlight shone brighter into the clearing. After an hour of jokes, songs, and laughter, and just as I was getting more comfortable in my human skin, Chris decided to be adventurous. “Who’s brave enough to go on a hike?” he asked loudly.
    Didn’t he hear about that bear attack last week? It must be a ploy to get some one-on-one time with the girls.
    “I don’t think it’s a good idea, Chris,” said Ms. Wimsley, the other chaperone.
    “Yeah, Chris, we all know what you want to do in the dark.” Elizabeth sneered, zipping up her hoodie.
    Chris’s snide laugh was tinged with annoyance. “Oh, why don’t you get ready for the next demonstration for women’s rights, Elizabeth.”
    As they argued the reason behind Chris’s urge to hike at night, I closed my eyes. A warm autumn breeze caressed my face. I stretched my arms lazily above my head, then froze when something tickled my palm. Tiny, hairy legs danced between my fingers—a spider. The revelation brought an overwhelming fear nearing panic. My inhale identified the arachnid as a tarantula—one immune to the three layers of bug repellent I’d sprayed on in the tent. With a scream, I flicked my hand, launching the monster from my wrist back into the darkness of the forest.
    For some reason I lost consciousness, and I was now in a different place and time.
    Mira, Xander, and I were in a dark underground cave surrounded by strange creatures with glowing orange eyes. The air was heavy and unmoving. Condensation collected on the rocky walls. I squeezed someone’s warm hand. Our fingers intertwined, our heartbeats became synchronized. We were calm, despite the menacing situation. We were concentrating on—
    “Sarah! Sarah!”
    “Wake up, Sarah!”
    “Is she okay?”
    “Are you okay?”
    “Sarah, take a deep breath.” I recognized Mira’s calm voice.
    I opened my eyes and saw a dozen faces hovering over me. Another dozen voices whispered amongst themselves.
    “What happened?” I asked. My head throbbed and when I touched the back of it, a bruised area swelled into a lump. “Ouch.”
    “Stay still.” Xander placed his hands on my