**Chapter 1: Introduction to Claudia**

The sun-kissed streets of Oakwood were always alive with the sound of laughter and chatter, but for 17-year-old Claudia, the warmth of the day did little to lift her spirits. She trudged along, her black boots scuffling against the pavement, her blue-jeans-clad legs carrying her towards home with a sense of monotony. Her black hair fell in loose waves down her back, and her bright green eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of rebellion, a spark that set her apart from the crowd. Claudia's laid-back style was a far cry from the fashionista persona of her older sister, Katie. While Katie was always dressed to impress, Claudia preferred a more relaxed approach to life. Her flannel shirts and tank tops were a staple in her wardrobe, a reflection of her easy-going nature. But beneath her carefree exterior, Claudia harbored a deep-seated frustration – a sense of being stuck in a rut, of being trapped in a life that was suffocating her. As she walked, the sound of music drifted from the nearby park, and Claudia's feet seemed to move of their own accord, drawn to the lively rhythms. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of excitement building in her chest. This was her happy place – surrounded by music, nature, and the warmth of the sun. Claudia's thoughts were interrupted by the sight of her sister, Katie, waiting for her at the bus stop. Katie was a vision in her fitted dress and heels, her hair styled perfectly, and her makeup flawless. Claudia felt a twinge of envy; she could never pull off Katie's polished look, but she admired her sister's confidence. "Hey, sis," Katie said, flashing a bright smile as Claudia approached. "What's up?" "Not much," Claudia replied, shrugging her shoulders. "Just enjoying the sunshine." Katie laughed. "You're such a hippie, Claudia. I'm going to grab a coffee with Rachel and Emily. Want to come?" Claudia hesitated, unsure if she wanted to join her sister and her friends. She wasn't really in the mood for socializing, but at the same time, she didn't want to be left behind. "Maybe later," she said finally. "I need to do some homework." Katie nodded, understanding. "Okay, cool. We'll catch up later, then." As Katie walked off with her friends, Claudia felt a pang of loneliness. She didn't mind being alone, but sometimes it felt like she was missing out on the fun. She sighed and continued walking home, lost in thought. Little did she know, her life was about to take a drastic turn, one that would shatter the tranquility of her small town and leave her questioning everything she thought she knew. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the streets of Oakwood, and Claudia was blissfully unaware of the darkness that was lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce.