Riva stood apart from the chattering group, her eyes scanning the horizon with a mix of eagerness and apprehension. The school trip to the wildlife sanctuary was supposed to be a break from routine, a chance to explore the wonders of nature. "It's going to be fun, right?" she murmured to herself, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that clung to her like a shadow.
As the students disembarked, Mr. Harris, their jovial and experienced guide, clapped his hands to gather attention. "Welcome to your adventure, explorers! Remember, stick together and respect the wilderness," he instructed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. Maya, Riva's best friend, nudged her playfully. "See, nothing to worry about!" she grinned.
Riva found herself lost in the beauty around her, the earlier tension slowly dissipating. They paused by a bubbling stream, where Tom, the class clown, attempted to skip stones, much to the amusement of his peers. "Bet I can make it to the other side," he boasted, laughter erupting as the stone plunked into the water instead.
Alice, always curious, approached the altar, tracing the strange symbols etched into the stone. "What do you think this is?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. Riva felt a chill run down her spine, as if the forest itself held its breath.
Panic sparked when James, a senior, shouted, "Did anyone hear that?" A rustling in the underbrush, followed by the soft chanting of voices, sent the students into a frenzy. Riva clutched Maya's hand, fear tightening its grip on her heart. "We have to find Mr. Harris, now!"
Riva led them through the underbrush, her mind racing for a plan. "Remember the stream? We can follow it back to the bus," she urged, her voice steady despite the terror. As they navigated the darkened trail, the distant glow of headlights became their beacon of hope, a promise of escape from the nightmare that had unfolded.
