Centuries ago, nestled in a quaint village near Wildwood, New Jersey, an ominous specter loomed over the townsfolk: plagues ravaged the land, leaving death and despair in their wake. In a desperate bid for salvation, the villagers resorted to sacrificial rituals, forsaking their morals in pursuit of preservation. Among them was a kindhearted lady, unjustly chosen as tribute, her fate sealed by the cruel whims of the desperate masses. Unbeknownst to them, her family, enticed by promises of wealth and prosperity, betrayed her, callously offering her up to the sacrificial altar.

Amidst the macabre ceremony, a loyal companion, a wryneck bird, sought to disrupt the proceedings, its frantic efforts a futile attempt to thwart the impending tragedy. Yet, despite the avian intervention, the forbidden ritual proceeded, its dark magic invoking unforeseen consequences. The lady perished, her spirit embittered by betrayal and fueled by vengeance, casting a malevolent curse upon the village.

Henceforth, the villagers fell victim to the wrath of the vengeful spirit, their lives forfeit to her insatiable thirst for retribution. Legend spoke of her spectral form, haunting the shadows, her presence foreboding and her intent deadly. Generations passed, but the curse endured, claiming the descendants of those who had condemned her to an unjust demise.

Fast forward to the present day, in the year 2024. The bustling halls of North High buzzed with anticipation as students prepared for a field trip to a nearby museum. Among them, Ava, Chloe, and Aria shared jovial banter, their laughter punctuating the air with excitement. As they boarded the bus, teasing and flirtation filled the atmosphere, momentarily eclipsing the ominous history that lingered in the shadows.

As they settled into their seats, Chloe's voice cut through the chatter, her playful demeanor drawing Ava's attention. "Ava! Saved a spot for you," she exclaimed, tapping the seat beside her with a grin.

"Aw, thanks, Chloe! Coming!" Ava replied, her spirits lifted by the warmth of her friend's invitation. But before she could reach her seat, a hand clasped hers, pulling her into an unexpected embrace. Startled, Ava turned to find Aiden, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he leaned in for a kiss.

Pushing him away with a playful shove, Ava's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as their classmates erupted into teasing laughter. "What was that about?" she asked, a mixture of confusion and amusement in her voice.

Aiden flashed a charming smile, his tone dripping with flirtation as he replied, "Can't I kiss my girlfriend?"

Chuckling, Ava sidestepped him, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "You're impossible," she retorted, her smile betraying her amusement as she made her way to join Chloe.

Arriving at their destination, an unexpected sight greeted them: a dark wryneck perched ominously before the motel where they would stay. Curiosity mingled with unease as Emily and Chloe remarked on the rarity of such a sighting, their excitement tempered by an eerie sense of foreboding.

"That's a rare bird! What brings that thing here?" Emily queried, her eyes fixed on the mysterious creature.

"Good eye, Emily! She's right, these creatures are found in Euro-Asia and Africa," Chloe added, her tone tinged with curiosity.

As Mason and his friends shared nervous laughter, a sudden flash of lightning illuminated the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the scene. And in that fleeting moment, a figure appeared before them, a ghostly apparition shrouded in darkness before vanishing into the night, leaving behind a palpable sense of unease.