Chapter One of Descended by Blood

Chapter One              My sneakers crunched against dead leaves, smashing twigs and gravel into the moist soil. Rain pelted these hills earlier today and whiffs of moss, decaying trees, and other earthly aromas latched onto the small hair follicles in my nose.        Kaitlynn, my best friend, would be meeting me here soon for a hike through one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's vibrant trails. The beginnings of fall had started appearing around Buena Vista, Virginia, and my favorite feature...