I tremble before the forest. I tremble before the darkness. It's penetrating silence shakes the very core of my being. I rub the side of my horse as she whines.

The smooth barks of trees were bare of any signs of lichens or moss- something I clearly haven't seen before. Unfortunately, that could only mean one thing- something wasn't right. I should know considering that I knew a lot about forests and trees in general. People might even be impressed about it. If only they could be impressed I mean... The woods is hushed. Only the sound of Kane's, the horses and my breath can be heard.

"So this is zombie apocalypse forest I presume." Kane laughs shakily.

"Yeah. Forest of Souls."

"Why is it called that?"

"We're about to find out."

I urge my horse to step into the woods cutting Kane off his words. I know what he'll probably say anyway. Maybe asking whether I did know what I was doing. I don't have the guts to tell him that I actually don't. He needs to find his sister and I intend to see him through safely. He already relies on me to take him there. How can you tell a person who relies on you that you don't even know what you're doing? No one is willing to show anyone they care about that they're undoubtedly useless. Neither do I. I will never let anyone see the worst of me.

The silence was encasing me. It was deafening. I felt that sound never existed- and then I hear a wail.

"What was that?" I ask.

"Considering that it's our first time here guess we both can't answer that question."

"I think we should get out of here as soon as possible."

"That's the smartest thing you've said all day- I'll lead."

Kane brings his horse to a gallop snaking his way through the trees and I follow.

A thick mist begins to settle in. White spots form on my eyes blurring my vision. I can hear the desperate whine of my horse before I hear- another wail. A wail so pathetic that I could feel my heart crumble. I turn around to see who called out except I couldn't see.

Then only came more voices. A chorus of sadness, regret and heartbreak. A chorus of the sound of knowing that no matter how hard you try- there are just some things that were never meant to be. A chorus of unrequited promises, new found fears, of turning around and seeing everyone's happiness except your own- a chorus of life sung by souls.

I feel every sense I possess shatter. I feel every inch on joy i had ever experienced begin to disintegrate. My soul wanted to join the chorus to. It's been a long time since I had forgotten that I'm not alone. These souls were echoing mine. Logic and emotions begin to battle again. I can't give in but I want to.

In the midst of all this inner chaos, I feel my horse rear up dropping me onto the snowy ground. The contact of the cold snow on my bare skin nearly sent my senses on overload. I could feel myself breaking apart. Tearing away. Breaking down into the pile of useless sack of sadness I was.

I'm beginning to fear if my powers would seize control of me. Worried that they'll win and he'll see the wreck that I truly am. I'm foolish. Ever so foolish. Why must I choose to play the hero? I'm the most broken and damaged mess. A walking disaster just like the souls. The gravity of my hopeless reality begins to tether me closer and closer to my breaking point.

"Drevial, block them out!" Kane's voice calls out through their song," Hold on, okay? I'm here."

I can sense the pressure of his hand clasping mine. Through the cries of the souls I can trace out his face. His eyes determined and shining. His jaw firm and set. His lips forming my name.
"I'm here." he repeats softly bringing my hand to his cheek, "Their song is not real. It's not real. Trust me. I'm here, Drevial. I'm here. It'll be alright. Don't leave m- reality." he stutters, " I meant reality. Listen to my voice."

There's something about the way he said that which made me scream internally trying to fight of the demons. His voice goes on in it's rich velvety tone repeating that he's here. The souls scream louder locking in their symphony but so do I.

My eyes are blind to the world. My senses numb. Yet, I press onward through my conscious letting Kane become my homing beacon. I cut the cord tethering me to the souls. I see his face.

He hugs me immediately nearly knocking me over into the snow. I would've hugged him back if only I had seen that I'll be hanging six feet up in the air along with him in a net. We're both trapped. And to make matters worse- we are both unarmed...