Бесплатный фрагмент - The Devourers: Hunter

Chapter 1: On the Brink of Awakening

1

A strong wind rose, bending the trees toward the earth as if in silent plea. The sky, quickly swallowed by thick clouds, plunged midday into gloom; it seemed as if night itself had descended upon the land ahead of its time. Ravens cawed loudly, wheeling low over the houses, at times spiraling into eerie funnels that looked foreboding. It had long been considered an ill omen, though in the modern age few still believed in such portents.

Perched at the edge of a rooftop, leaning against the cold cornice, sat the hunter. His ashen hand, covered in scars, lay lightly on the ledge, while his eyes, lit with a crimson glow, searched for suitable prey. One might say he sought them only for sustenance, but that was far from the truth. Though only human flesh would do, he could have taken a person and fed on them slowly for a time, cutting down the number of deaths by severalfold. Yet such a course held no interest for him. The chance to terrify and wear down his prey tempted him far more than any mere sustenance ever could.

Even if someone did become his meal, it was far from the worst fate that could befall them. Beyond satisfying his hunger, he had other needs — needs he saw no reason to fulfill willingly. The horror in their eyes was inseparable from his carnal pleasures. In such cases, he preferred to keep his “guest” longer, gradually breaking their will and crushing all hope.

But that was not the worst thing a captured victim might endure if they proved disobedient enough. Now, he had already chosen his target — eager to savor the taste of flesh and suffering.

“You’ll fit,” he whispered, lips curling into a predatory smirk, revealing teeth — only the incisors were normal-sized, the rest sharp and long, made to sink deep into his prey.

With a light yet confident motion, he rose and sprang silently onto the neighboring rooftop, like a shadow. That movement carried both hidden weight and predatory grace. Very soon, someone’s life would be over.

2

In a sun-drenched meadow, among bright yellow poppies, sat Lily Evans — one of those impressionable souls who completely give themselves over to the moment. A gentle breeze touched her skin softly, while blades of grass tickled her feet, and her long blonde hair shimmered under the bright rays. There were no annoying noises of modern civilization here, only the rustle of branches breaking the silence. A delicate blue butterfly peacefully landed on a nearby blooming flower. Lily smiled peacefully, breathed in the fresh air, and closed her eyes, savoring the moment.

In the distance, the meadow ended at a dense, tall forest, as if the rest of the world had vanished behind it. Lily stood up, tossing aside her light, pale dress, and stepped onto the soft grass. The sound of tiny hooves broke the silence — a fawn darted out from the bushes. It froze, gazing at her with wide, clear eyes, and bent its head to graze on the grass.

Fearing to disturb its peace, Lily stepped back, admiring the view. In the clear sky, with fluffy clouds, pairs of birds complemented the harmony. Reaching out, she stayed still while a bird settled gently on her hand, amusingly tilting its head from side to side. Barely containing her delight, Lily watched as it stepped along her fingers, surrounded by other birds who supported their companion with cheerful songs.

3

The birdsong faded into an irritating tone, and the illusion dissolved. On the bedside table, her phone played a bright morning melody. Lily dozed, not yet fully returned from the world of dreams. Light curls spilling from the pillow glinted gold in the sunlight stretching in from beneath the curtain. Slowly opening her eyes, Lily finally silenced the insistent sound.

Throwing off the blanket, she swung her feet to the floor onto the soft white carpet, quickly scrolling through the notifications received overnight, and smiled. Drawing the curtains apart to let in the morning light, she paused to bask in its warmth. The beige-toned room seemed almost too childish for a nineteen-year-old girl, a lingering tie to her past. A stuffed unicorn and two white rabbits sat on the shelves. No teenage posters, no crumpled T-shirt in the corner — everything was perfectly in order, perhaps too much, as if she clung to an idealized memory.

In the bathroom, Lily turned on the tap, the sound of water filling the space. She slipped off her T-shirt and neatly folded it on the cabinet. Her fingers almost automatically brushed the silver cross at her neck, just to reassure herself it was still there. It was one of the few possessions left from her mother, and each touch carried a special feeling. Lily believed that as long as her memory of her mother lived, she would always be invisibly close. Watching over her, protecting her.

4

In this seemingly quiet and peaceful town, the night’s coolness had already given way to the summer sun. Dressed in a sports top and shorts, Lily stepped out of her home — one of many in the neighborhood — put in her earphones, and turned on music that set her mood for new accomplishments. She had always believed that jogging not only kept her in shape but also helped clear her mind of unwanted thoughts. At least, that was usually the case.

Familiar houses drifted past, and Lily was smiling as she looked at them. She had grown up here and knew everyone. From the house across the street, the heavyset Mr. Green came out to the mailbox with a grunt. Seeing Lily, he immediately smiled and waved. She waved back, and their silent exchange was warm and genuine.

Coming toward her was a kind elderly neighbor, carrying a small dog that clearly did not wish to be there. Lily slowed her pace to take a better look at the pet, when the leash slipped from its harness, and the furry troublemaker leapt from her arms, dashing toward the road. Lily ran after it while the old lady, clutching her head, stood frozen in confusion. Focused entirely on the animal, not taking her eyes off it, she failed to notice the car that screeched to a halt right in front of her. Lily braced her hands against its hood, her heart pounding wildly. For a moment, she froze, unable to move. All other sounds vanished, leaving only the deafening thud of her heartbeat in her ears.

“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” the driver shouted, snapping her back into the moment.

“S-sorry, I’m so sorry!” Lily gave a tense smile, stepped aside, and ran on after the cause of the commotion.

Catching up with the dog, she scooped it into her arms. It panted happily, looking into Lily’s worried eyes. This time, she looked carefully both ways before crossing, and finally approached the old lady to return the escapee.

“Oh, dear, thank you so much,” the woman said, taking the troublemaker into her arms and holding it close.

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” Lily pulled out one earphone.

“No, no, if it weren’t for you, I would never have caught her. Thank you, dear.”

“Be careful!”

The old lady continued thanking her without pause until Lily put her earphone back in and resumed her run. But her heartbeat refused to settle, and inside, a knot of bitterness and pain tightened, stirred by the memory of another time she couldn’t act fast enough.

5

The Evans home was filled with the smell of fresh pancakes. At the stove stood Jessica, a thirty-six-year-old, fit, and dark-haired. She could hardly be a mother to Lily, and had never tried to take that place, knowing it was impossible. Even so, she had always shown great warmth and care toward her stepdaughter, and Lily truly valued that. Many relatives and acquaintances disapproved of Peter’s choice — not only because his bride was six years younger, but also because, in their view, he had too quickly forgotten his late wife. It is easy to judge others when you do not feel the pain they feel.

The front door opened, and Lily stepped inside, removing her earphones. She immediately caught the scent and smiled with satisfaction, heading for the kitchen in search of the source of the wonderful aroma.

“Oh, my favorites,” Lily said, coming up to Jessica and peeking over her shoulder at the stack of neatly arranged pancakes on a plate.

“Good morning!” Jessica turned from the stove. “Sleep well?”

“Perfectly,” Lily grinned.

“Shower, then breakfast,” Jessica ordered softly, in a playful tone.

Lily had already turned to leave when Peter walked into the kitchen. His hair was neatly trimmed, and a light stubble gave him not an untidy look, but the air of a kind neighbor. He didn’t look his age at all, except for the fine lines of wrinkles around his eyes that had begun to betray it.

“Good morning, everyone!” he said warmly.

“Morning, Dad.” Lily kissed his cheek and quickly slipped out of the kitchen.

Peter and Jessica exchanged a glance, their smiles masking the worry they both carried.

“She really does seem to be sleeping better,” Peter said quietly, still with a hint of concern.

“She looks fresher — I think she is,” Jessica nodded. “Don’t overthink it. Sit at the table.”

Lily stepped into her room, closed the door, and froze in front of her wardrobe, pulling it open. She stood motionless, staring inside. Her heart was still pounding wildly, and her smile was gone. She tried to suppress the sickening thoughts, but they surged up, a knot tightening in her throat. The car. The brakes. Red flags flashing through her turbulent mind. That day, she hadn’t been able to do anything, and she had blamed herself for it her entire conscious life. Maybe that was why she was always so eager to please everyone. She just felt she had to. That she owed everyone. That she still had to earn kindness.

6

Jessica carefully arranged plates, glasses, and cutlery for each of them, placing a stack of fresh pancakes in the center as the main treat. Lily walked into the kitchen to find her and Peter already seated at the table, laughing and chatting about something ordinary. She took a seat beside them, and Jessica immediately served her a portion of pancakes, generously drizzling them with syrup.

“We’re planning to visit Jess’s parents for the weekend,” Peter said.

“Oh, alright,” Lily replied, picking up her fork and starting to eat.

“You can handle this on your own?”

“Yes, no problem. Go ahead, don’t worry about me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Dad, I’m nineteen, not nine. I can spend a couple of nights here alone.”

“You could invite Hailey to stay over — have a girls’ night,” Jessica suggested.

“Good idea,” Lily agreed with a smile.

“Sweetheart, I know you’re grown up, but I still worry,” he said, looking at her with care and a hint of concern, then smiled. “And no boys.”

“Very funny,” Lily shot him an annoyed glance. “I need to focus on my studies, not boys — you know that.”

“I know,” he said, giving her a sad smile and gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Your mom would have been proud of you.”

“Thanks, Dad…”

A heavy silence hung in the air, and Lily froze. Talking about her mother was always hard for her, but she tried to keep her composure. Jessica gave an awkward smile and offered everyone more syrup, trying to ease the tension. Pretending everything was fine, they went on with their breakfast.

7

Hailey Matthews, an eighteen-year-old with soft, dark auburn curls, was sprawled on the bed, frowning as she held her phone above her head. At the foot of the bed sat Lily, staring thoughtfully at the ceiling. They had been best friends since kindergarten, doing everything together. Movies, shopping, studying, hanging out — they were always side by side. In all that time, neither of them had ever done anything reckless, and now Hailey was trying to convince Lily to go to their first real “adult” party, arguing that they were about to start university and deserved a taste of freedom.

Hailey had an older sister, Stacy, three years her senior, who had long been left to her own devices. She did whatever she pleased, since all their parents’ attention was focused on the younger daughter. Up to a point, that extra care hadn’t bothered Hailey; she had enjoyed being the center of attention. But as she grew older, she began to feel something was missing. Maybe she wouldn’t like the so-called adult world, but forbidden fruit always tasted sweeter.

“No, Hailey, it’s a bad idea,” Lily finally sighed.

“Oh, please!” Hailey bounced up on the bed and moved closer.

“You know it’s not like me.”

“Come on. Don’t you even want to know what it’s like?”

“No. I can pretty much guess. I’ve seen enough from your sister’s Insta posts, thanks.”

“Lily…” Hailey exhaled, “Aren’t you tired of always being like this?”

“Like what?” Lily raised her brows in surprise.

“Composed. Serious. Stacy will be there with us; nothing’s going to happen. And we’ll tell our parents we’re staying at your place.” She brightened. “It’s the perfect plan. Your parents are going away for the weekend, and the party’s right then. Everything’s falling into place!”

“I’ll think about it, okay?”

With a delighted squeal, Hailey threw her arms around Lily. If she was starting to give in, it meant she’d say yes for sure — Hailey was certain of it.

“Hey, I didn’t say yes yet!”

Hailey tried to sit still and focus on the phone, but within seconds she was bouncing again, letting out little squeaks of excitement. The anticipation was already buzzing through her. Lily asked what exactly she wanted to see there, but Hailey didn’t have an answer. She just wanted to be there — it felt like something would change. After that, she would be an adult, no question.

Calming down a little, Hailey lay beside Lily and gave her a coaxing look.

“So… how are you doing with Cody?”

“What do you mean?”

“Everybody sees the way he looks at you. He did ask you out.”

“He asked me to a conference,” Lily rolled her eyes. “That’s not the same, and you know it. We’re just friends.”

“And you don’t like him? Not even a little? He sure seems to like you.”

“Stop it. Now,” Lily laughed. “Or I’ll tickle you again. Until you cry.”

With a mock-defiant toss, Hailey flung her phone aside, and they lunged at each other, laughing loudly as they tickled one another. They hardly had any secrets between them, but Hailey enjoyed teasing her friend about topics she didn’t like to discuss. Relationships with boys weren’t exactly taboo for Lily, but she didn’t feel she deserved their attention or love. Anyone’s.

Chapter 2: Awakening of Fear

1

Lily switched off the light, leaving only the dim nightlight on. She crawled under the covers, the soft fabric rustling around her, sent Hailey a last goodnight text, smiled at the reply, and set her phone on the bedside table. Her hand reached for a book, but the anticipation of tomorrow’s party stopped her. Thoughts kept circling — what exactly might happen there? She didn’t entirely trust Stacy; she’d known her since childhood, and her behavior had never struck Lily as good. Stacy was jealous of her parents’ attention to her younger sister and often teased Lily and Hailey, sometimes even setting them up. Back then, Lily hadn’t thought much of it, and most of it had faded from memory — except for the unpleasant aftertaste and the distrust.

Switching off the nightlight, she stared at the ceiling. Shadows from the swaying branches traced patterns above. Lily tried to imagine them as caring hands rocking a baby to sleep — but all she could see were crooked, bony fingers eager to close around a throat. She turned onto her side, squeezing her eyes shut, willing herself back into the safe, magical world of dreams.

But her mind had other plans for the night. Like a film reel, it played scenes for her: Lily in the middle of a brawl between drunk teenagers, unable to leave because the place was packed with guests. Police arrived at the party, hauling everyone out of the house without asking questions. She could already feel the shame burning in her cheeks at the thought of facing Peter and Jessica. In another scene, someone was pestering her — she couldn’t tell what they wanted, but the thought made her frown without opening her eyes. She recalled photos of Stacy at parties — reckless, aggressive. And her friends? She imagined them just the same.

Lily tossed and turned for a long time before exhaustion finally pulled her under.

2

Lily sat in the familiar meadow, awash with yellow poppies. Birds wheeled above her, and white rabbits twitched their tiny paws as they hopped softly through the grass. Two fawns darted out from the bushes and stopped a short distance away — one curled up on the ground, the other began nibbling the grass right beside her. Lily watched them with a smile until she caught a movement in the distance out of the corner of her eye. The bushes were stirring. She rose to her feet and stepped forward cautiously. Startled, the fawns scattered in opposite directions.

The shaking grew stronger, hiding something large. First, a shimmering horn emerged, then a snow-white unicorn stepped out of the foliage. Its round eyes met hers. Stunned, Lily took a step toward it, her bare feet sinking softly into the grass. The unicorn came closer without hesitation, lowering its head to her hand. She stroked its neck hesitantly — the fur was so soft, almost silky. Her heart pounded with delight, her chest brimming with the rush of meeting such a fantastical creature. Until now, the world around her, while unnervingly perfect, had been home only to ordinary animals.

The unicorn circled her a few times, then tossed its mane and galloped away, vanishing into the trees. Lily breathed in short, quick bursts, torn between wonder and joy. She knew it was only a dream, yet the touch had felt so real that doubt began to creep in. At the same time, the surrounding forest was far too quiet, even for such an idyllic scene.

3

After waking up, Lily went into the bathroom and turned on the faucet. The water splashed brightly, washing away the last traces of sleep. She squeezed toothpaste onto her brush, capped the tube, and started brushing. Her eyes drifted to the mirror. Lily froze for a moment, then quickly turned toward the bathtub. Of course, there was nothing there. But for a fleeting second, she was certain she’d seen the unicorn from her dream standing in her bathtub, its image flickering like a trick of the mind. She could swear it had been there, yet now it was completely empty.

She took the brush out of her mouth and stepped toward the mirror, scanning her reflection and the space behind her. Could her dreams really be so vivid that her mind was now playing tricks on her, making her see them in waking life? Doubt gnawed at her — was she okay? She pushed the thought away, convincing herself it was only her imagination, perhaps stirred by her lingering grief. At least for now.

4

By the front door stood Peter and Jessica — he was glancing around nervously, mentally checking whether he’d forgotten anything, while she waited, already looking exhausted. Lily was there too, seeing them off, just as tired of waiting. He always took forever to get ready to go anywhere, even if it was just a trip to the store. He feared that the one thing he might suddenly need wouldn’t be on hand.

“We’re sure we haven’t forgotten anything?” He patted his pants pockets.

“I would be surprised,” Jessica murmured.

“What?”

“Peter, we’ve been standing here for ten minutes.”

“Oh, right. If anything happens,” He turned to Lily. “You can call Cooper…”

“Yes, Dad, you left me his number.”

“Right, right.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Well… okay…”

Peter stepped over and hugged her tightly, as if saying goodbye forever. They rarely spent time apart, and this was the first time she would be home alone for several days. He trusted her completely, but he still worried something unexpected might happen while he was away. At last, after all the goodbyes, he opened the door. Turning once more to say he’d miss her, he got Lily’s promise she’d miss him too, then stepped outside. Jessica followed.

With her back to the closed door, Lily exhaled loudly. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she sent Hailey a text: “HOME ALONE.” She hadn’t thought she’d feel it, but it was oddly nice knowing she was on her own, with no adults around. The idea of Hailey’s party suddenly seemed tempting and not without merit. After all, they were practically adults now — maybe it really was time to have a little fun.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the crash of breaking dishes from the kitchen. She froze, frowning, and carefully headed toward the sound. She didn’t like horror movies, but she’d seen enough to know that in situations like this, something creepy always showed up to attack the lone hero. Trying to calm her imagination, she pictured a bird that had flown in and couldn’t find its way out, or a mouse looking for something to eat.

She stepped slowly into the kitchen and looked around. On the floor near the sink lay a broken mug. Lily walked over and crouched to examine it. There was nothing unusual or suspicious nearby. Standing up, she scanned the room in confusion — the kitchen windows were closed, and there was no sign of any creature. This wasn’t just her imagination running wild, but there didn’t seem to be anything to fear either.

5

The cunning plan to escape into the adult world had already been thought through, and now Lily and Hailey were lying on the bed, happily sipping milkshakes from the nearest diner. They would say they’d spent the night at Lily’s — her parents couldn’t disprove it anyway — while in reality they would be having fun at the party. If anything went wrong, they could always go back to Lily’s and spend the rest of the evening there.

What could go wrong?

Once they’d finished discussing the upcoming evening, Lily told her friend about her strange dreams and the morning incident with the mug. It wasn’t that it really worried her, but it did seem strange and unreal.

“Are you sure you checked everything?”

“Yes,” Lily spread her hands. “All the windows and doors were shut. I don’t understand how it could’ve fallen and broken.”

“Maybe…” Hailey set her milkshake down on the edge of the nightstand. “Maybe it was just standing too close to the edge?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Or…” She moved her glass off the nightstand, then turned to Lily with a sly smile. “It was a poltergeist.”

“Yes,” Lily laughed. “That’s a much more rational explanation!”

They burst into laughter for a moment, but Lily suddenly went serious again, as if someone had snapped their fingers. Running it over in her mind again, she started to feel uneasy. She asked Hailey not to joke about it, and her friend obediently agreed. Sure, Hailey loved to fool around, but she could see Lily was genuinely unsettled. She hugged her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Lily didn’t react for a while, just stared into the distance.

“Sometimes I feel,” Lily turned to her, “like I see things that couldn’t possibly be there.”

Shifting closer, Hailey sat facing her, watching her eyes with wary seriousness. Now she was starting to worry about her.

“What do you mean? Like hallucinations?”

“Not exactly…” Lily began nervously fidgeting with her knuckles. “I just… see things from my dreams.” She lifted her gaze in agitation. “It only lasts for a split second, but it’s so real I can’t even describe it. I’m just certain it’s real — and then it’s gone.”

“How long has this been happening?”

“About a week. Before that, I had awful insomnia. But then I started sleeping normally… and the dreams became so vivid. But they feel… like they’re stuck on repeat, always in the same place.”

“What kind of place?” Hailey asked with interest.

“It’s a meadow. Big — no, huge — and all around there are birds, rabbits, fawns, flowers… stuff like that, you know? And in the distance, there’s a forest that feels endless. It’s so beautiful and calm. Recently, I dreamed about a unicorn, and I swear I could feel its coat as if it were real. The next morning, I thought I saw it in my bathroom.”

Lily gave an awkward smile at Hailey’s ringing laugh. She felt embarrassed talking about it, especially knowing her friend was nowhere near as serious as she was. Hailey was more light-hearted; in many ways they were complete opposites, but it had never been a problem — they complemented each other like pieces of a puzzle, though sometimes Lily found it slightly irritating.

“I’m serious. It’s not funny, Hailey.”

“No, really, it’s great. I’d love to see a unicorn in my bathroom.”

“To be honest, it’s a little creepy…”

“Your mind’s just having some fun. Or maybe you weren’t fully awake. You sure you didn’t dream it?”

“I think so… I’m not sure anymore.”

“See? Then relax. If you want, I can stay over at yours tonight, if that would make you feel better.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m okay.”

And with that, they decided to drop the subject and switch to more pressing matters — like what to wear to the party, what hairstyle to choose, what the weather would be like, or whether Stacey would be her usual bitchy self (of course, she would). Hailey gave Lily a tight, tight hug, promising that everything would be fine. She was still far too young to understand that you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.

Chapter 3: An Uninvited Guest

1

Lily sat on the edge of the bed, fluffing her pillow. The silence in the house, pleasant by day, had turned ominous by night. Outside, darkness had settled in completely, and every shadow in the house, as Lily made her way from the front door to her bedroom, seemed to conceal monstrous creatures eager to grab at her heels. She’d always thought she wasn’t afraid of the dark — until she found herself alone in a home that suddenly felt too big for a girl who still felt so small inside. Wasn’t she spending a little too much time just fluffing a pillow? And wasn’t it ridiculous to be afraid of the dark at nineteen? Lily realized she was simply putting off the unwelcome moment of switching off the light.

Once the pillow was in place, she finally lay down, pulling the blanket over herself.

Casting one last glance at the door, locked from the inside, Lily reached for the nightstand lamp. “One, two… three.” The switch clicked, and everything around her sank into darkness. Of course, she wasn’t afraid — but just in case, she pulled the blanket over her head until her eyes adjusted to the absence of light. No one was creeping up in the dark — or at least she couldn’t hear anyone. To make sure, she pulled the blanket back and carefully scanned every corner of the room. Empty. Funny, wasn’t it? Of course, there was no one there — how could anyone possibly get in, with the house locked up tight?

Looking up at the ceiling, Lily saw the now-familiar branch-like hands. Pushing away foolish thoughts, she sighed, rolled onto her side, placed her hand under her head, and closed her eyes. A big day lay ahead, and she needed to get some rest, especially with those marvelous creatures and that peaceful meadow waiting for her in her dreams. Settling in more comfortably, Lily prepared herself for another journey.

2

Lily was walking across the now-familiar meadow: as before, the fawns and rabbits grazed peacefully, and the birds chirped. But this time something was different. A barely perceptible detail, a subtle hint hidden nearby, disrupted the harmony. While Lily pondered, the sunlight began to fade, and the sky was quickly shrouded in dark clouds. A fawn, calmly lying in the grass, lifted its head, sprang to its feet, and bolted away.

Looking around, Lily saw the rest of the animals scattering. They were clearly agitated by something, but could ordinary clouds really frighten them? There wasn’t a single bird left in the trees. When every sound faded to silence, a deafening hum rang out. It came from nowhere and everywhere at once, as if its source was both the sky and the earth. Squinting, Lily clamped her hands over her ears and felt the first drops of rain hit her skin. The hum ceased, but when she lowered her hands, it was replaced by rolling thunder; lightning already flashed across the sky, and the fine drizzle had turned into a torrential downpour.

Trying to escape the rain, Lily darted under a nearby tree and pressed her back tightly against its trunk. It helped for only a moment before a vicious wind picked up, driving the slanting rain right through to her. She could feel the dampness clinging to her body, the cold sinking into her skin; goosebumps prickled along her arms. Lily began to shiver and chatter her teeth, unable to comprehend how everything could seem so real. Hoping to find a wider tree whose canopy might shelter her from this trap, she glanced around — there wasn’t another tree in sight, the forest had vanished entirely from view. Every time she’d been here before, everything had been nearly the same — a beautiful, almost sickly-sweet idyll. But not now. Now everything was entirely different.

Pressing her back to the tree even harder, Lily cast a desperate glance sideways. It was now completely dark, and only the flashes of lightning lit up the empty, lifeless meadow. I have to focus and wake up, she thought, squeezing her eyes shut. But she didn’t wake in time: a black hand, wet from the rain, with long, sharp claws of the same color, settled on her neck. Near the elbow, the skin’s tone gradually shifted to a pale gray, and the forearm was covered in long, raised scars, clearly left by the claws of some creatures.

The hand clamped down on her throat, and Lily cried out, grasping at it in an attempt to break free. The fear vanished, replaced by sheer horror. She couldn’t breathe; she felt the blood rush to her face as the hand’s grip locked like iron. One thought filled her mind: If I die now, will I die for real?

Jerking her head to the side, she saw eyes filled with indifference, the sclera an inky black with a pupil surrounded by a blood-red iris that shone as if lit from within — like the glow of a car’s tail lights. Lightning flashed, and for the briefest instant Lily saw him fully: pale-gray skin above the nose fading into black just as it did on his hands, and deep scars slashing across his neck and bare torso.

His face might’ve been almost handsome, if not for the eyes — those calculating, scornful eyes, watching her as he tilted his head with predatory grace. The movement was unnatural, slick, like that of a predator not simply observing prey but probing every weakness. There was something sinister, almost hypnotic, in it. Lily gasped desperately for air as the grip on her slender throat tightened; tears streamed down her cheeks, and she squeezed her eyes shut as tightly as she could.

3

Dawn was just breaking outside, and the room lay submerged in semi-darkness. Lily shot upright in bed with a frightened cry, her T-shirt soaked through with cold sweat, her heart threatening to tear out of her chest. Her breathing was ragged and heavy, each inhale a struggle. The vile weight on her throat still lingered, as did the pain inside. Realizing she had finally woken up, Lily clutched at her neck in terror, feeling along it. Finding no foreign hands there, she allowed herself the smallest measure of relief.

Not yet fully catching her breath, she brushed the damp strands of hair from her face, flung aside the wet blanket, and tentatively lowered one foot toward the floor. Her eyes darted to the edge of the bed — and the foot quickly retreated beneath the covers. A girl who had always thought herself unafraid of the dark could not even bring herself to step out of bed. Like a small child, she now feared that a horrible black clawed hand would seize her ankle and drag her down. But unlike a child’s futile fears, she had seen — truly seen — what she dreaded.

She lay there, blanket pulled over her head, until morning, drifting in and out of uneasy dozes, broken by panicked glances toward the shadows. Only when she was certain the sun had risen high enough did she tiptoe quickly to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

In front of the mirror, Lily examined her neck — the marks of the night visitor’s fingers were plainly visible. A wave of indescribable horror crashed over her. The dreams were no longer just visions — they left traces, physical, tangible. She remembered her thoughts in the dream — would she really die if she died there? And now she had no doubt. Yes. Without question, she would.

Stepping back from the mirror, Lily leaned against the wall, slid slowly down its surface, and began to cry quietly, covering her mouth with a trembling hand. Who was he? Why had he come? Had she woken on her own, or had he let her go? Her gaze fell to the bathtub — the unicorn had appeared here, a fleeting vision tied to her grief. Could that other creature manifest in this world as well? Lily didn’t want to think about it, yet the thought circled endlessly, like a broken record. What if he appeared before her — with those dreadful burning eyes full of… what? Contempt? Malice? There was something terrifying yet graceful in his animalistic movements, and when he strangled her, not a single muscle in his arm had seemed to tense.

The unicorn had appeared only once; she could only hope that this creature would never appear at all.

4

Nervously sorting through her very best clothes, Hailey laid them out from the closet onto the bed one by one. She had been waiting for this day for a long time, and it had finally come. Her parents had been successfully deceived, Stacey would meet them nearby, and all that was left was to muster the courage and choose what Hailey would wear to step into her adult life.

Lily had always been critical of Stacey’s behavior — unlike Hailey, who constantly envied her sister, dreaming of being the center of boys’ attention and dressing provocatively. Their parents would never have allowed that. Hailey was the classic good girl who wanted to be bad — that summed her up perfectly. Perhaps, had she had a different friend, things would have turned out differently; she might not have been so obedient, proper, and polite. Those thoughts had crossed her mind before, but she quickly pushed them aside — she valued the care Lily gave her. Or at least tried to.

Standing by the window, Lily peered into the thickening darkness. The thought that Hailey would be nearby was comforting — together they could handle any monster. But the fear, though dulled by her friend’s company, had not gone anywhere and had been with her since she woke up. She nervously fidgeted with the wide choker hiding the mark left by her new acquaintance. For some reason, his smirk appeared in her mind — though he hadn’t smiled at all. His face seemed full of indifference, even contempt toward her. She could not get him out of her head, as if he had already seeped deep into the darkest corners of her mind, sitting there quietly, with saliva dripping to the floor and his eyes burning, waiting for his time.

“Hey!” Hailey snapped her fingers in front of Lily’s face. “You even listening?”

Startled, Lily turned around — she had been so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed Hailey calling her again and again.

“Sorry,” Lily said awkwardly. “I was just thinking.”

“Are you okay?” Hailey’s voice turned concerned.

“Yeah, I just didn’t sleep well.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I’m fine,” Lily forced a smile. “What were you saying?”

But she wasn’t fine. Her thoughts were crumpled into an unpleasant, restless knot, like a wound that kept aching and refused to heal. Still, she joined Hailey and together they chose an outfit — a delicate, light white dress, slightly above the knee, with a modest neckline. Hailey’s figure made it bolder, though still not vulgar enough. Mrs. Matthews would never approve of it anyway, so the girls had one last obstacle to overcome — to slip out of the house unnoticed.

Carefully, on tiptoe, they crept down the stairs, until almost at the finish line a treacherous step creaked. Hailey froze, eyes shut, bracing for her mother’s arrival and the inevitable scolding. They would most likely have to turn back, and Hailey would have to change, but seconds passed with no sound of footsteps. The girls exchanged glances and headed straight for the front door, and once outside, burst into laughter as they quickly moved away from the house. Their little adventure had already begun.

5

It was already dark outside, and the streets were nearly empty. Hailey was brimming with excitement, bouncing on her feet and humming a tune under her breath. Her friend, however, didn’t share her enthusiasm — she walked gloomily, staring at the ground. The unfriendly wind kept trying to lift Hailey’s dress, which she repeatedly pulled back into place. Thinking she must look like Marilyn Monroe, Hailey chuckled quietly to herself, glancing at Lily to make sure she hadn’t noticed.

Lily didn’t even hear her. Immersed in her own thoughts, she was staring intently at the patterns on the asphalt, focusing on what she could see rather than what she could feel. That phantom weight on her neck had returned. No, there was no monster lurking nearby — yet the sensation of choking was back. Perhaps it was just her anxiety, but after everything that had happened, it was hard to trust her own eyes, let alone her mind. Ordinary nightmares don’t leave marks on your body, do they? Or had Lily done it to herself in her sleep? That could be possible — sleepwalkers often did strange things without remembering. A more plausible explanation, perhaps. Except Lily had never been one, and it usually began in children between the ages of four and twelve — an age she’d long since left behind.

Ahead, near the roadside, Stacey was waiting, tapping her smartphone against her palm in irritation. Everything about her posture said she was tired of waiting. As the girls approached, she tossed back her long, curled blonde hair and pointedly tapped her finger against her wrist. Only two minutes had passed since their arranged meeting time, but she needed to make sure they knew who was in charge. She looked them over in silence and let out a haughty sigh.

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Stacey drawled, her voice dripping with that signature venom of high school royalty. “If I hook up with someone, you’re on your own.”

“But I thought…” Lily began uncertainly.

“No. I’m not babysitting you. Got it?”

“Yeah, no problem,” Hailey stepped forward with an apologetic smile.

“Good. Let’s go.”

With a sly smirk, Stacey headed toward the house, swaying her hips in tight leather pants. In moments when she wasn’t delivering barbs, the corners of her lips lifted ever so slightly, creating a smile full of disdain, as if the world around her wasn’t worth her attention. That subtle gesture lent her face a particular haughtiness, as though she looked down on everything and everyone.

There were plenty of cars parked outside the house, and loud music and shouts of the guests — irritated, cheerful, and excited — poured from within. On the lawn, someone was already sprawled in an awkward position, drooling into the grass. Stacey stepped over the drunken body without a second thought and walked inside. This kind of scene didn’t stir any emotion in her; it seemed entirely ordinary.

The same couldn’t be said for the girls, who were seeing something like this for the first time. Hailey turned to Lily, catching her disapproving gaze and crossed arms. This wasn’t part of the plan — Stacey’s “protection” wasn’t reassuring at all. Now they were truly on their own in this house of lust and debauchery.

“You promised.”

“I’m sorry…” Hailey gave her an awkward, guilty smile. “You know how badly I wanted to be here.”

“Look at that.” Lily pointed to the person lying on the lawn. “Happy now?”

“We haven’t even been inside yet.”

“Fine.” Lily rolled her eyes and dropped her arms. “Let’s go.”

Hailey bounced with excitement, unable to contain herself, and they headed for the house, carefully stepping around the passed-out partygoer who had gone to “rest” for a while. Lily hesitated a few more times before opening the door, but Hailey’s confidence pulled her along. There was no turning back now.

Chapter 4: Dance of Shadows

1

Inside, the music wasn’t just heard — it pulsed through the air, its powerful vibrations ensnaring Lily and Hailey in invisible webs, drawing them deeper into the house. The two friends glanced around, disoriented, exchanging wary looks. The crowd was suffocating: people laughed, drank, shouted, and tangled in corners. Hailey felt a flush of heat from the unfamiliar chaos when Stacey emerged from the throng, like a figure rising from a stormy sea. Holding a drink in one hand, she grabbed her sister with the other and pulled her along. Hailey quickly clutched Lily’s arm, and the three of them vanished into the chaos.

Lily felt profoundly out of place, inwardly cursing her own pliancy. Faces flashed by, too fleeting to register. Strangers eyed her with appraising curiosity, sending a shiver down her spine. She felt like a slab of meat on display in a cheap store window. Hailey, by contrast, nearly glowed under the flood of attention — the kind she’d always craved. Though she often clashed with her sister, now, striding hand-in-hand through the raucous party, she felt on top of the world.

Reaching a quieter room, Stacey halted. A few guys lingered near a couch, but one glance from her sent them scattering. Only a tall, handsome guy remained, holding an open bottle of beer. He stood out — not like the others, exuding a quiet confidence.

“This is my sister, Hailey,” Stacey said, releasing her hand and nudging her toward him.

“Hey, I’m Nick,” he said with a smile, raising his bottle in greeting.

“Great, I’m out. Have fun,” Stacey said to Nick. “If anything happens to her, you’re done.”

She took a swig from her drink, wiped her lips with the back of her hand with a smug air of control, cast a commanding glance over the room, and melted back into the crowd.

“So…” Nick turned to Lily with a grin. “What’s your name?”

“Oh,” she started, jolted from her thoughts. “I’m Lily.”

“Nice to meet you, Lily,” he said, his smile widening as he stepped aside. “I’ll grab you both something to drink.”

“No, thanks,” Lily said.

“Yes,” Hailey chimed in, stepping forward with a bright smile. “Sure, get us something.”

Nick nodded, a bit thrown, and headed off for drinks, leaving the friends alone. Hailey turned to Lily, who was glaring at her with reproach. It wasn’t the first such look that night.

“What are you doing?”

“What? Are we just gonna stand here? We’re already here — might as well have some fun.”

“Fine…” Lily sighed, resigned.

2

In the bathroom, Lily sat hunched, elbows on her knees, face buried in her hands. The alcohol coursed through her veins, stirring unfamiliar, unpleasant sensations. She kept telling herself this was a mistake. Opening her eyes, she saw the world blur and drift, as if mocking her. Her heart pounded in her ears, and her thoughts churned like a turbulent stream, refusing to settle.

Gathering her strength, she lowered her hands, stood, and adjusted her dress. Every movement was a struggle — her hands disobeyed, and the warped sense of space disoriented and frightened her. For the first time in her life, she’d let herself drink, and now that choice throbbed in her mind as a bitter misstep.

Swaying, she stumbled to the sink, leaning on it for support, and peered into the mirror. Squinting, she tried to pinpoint the cause of her state. The face staring back felt foreign, detached, as if it belonged to someone else.

A chill crept from her chest, prickling her skin. She shuddered, grimacing — everything inside rebelled against this moment and her choices. All Lily wanted was to be home. Not to walk there, but to vanish and reappear, bypassing the piercing stares of strangers who seemed to peer into her very soul.

Pushing the thoughts aside, she let go of the sink, steadying herself as best she could, and headed for the door. Downstairs, Hailey waited, alone with a stranger. She had to go back.

3

On the first floor, Hailey’s bright laughter rang out. Nick’s jokes might not have been funny, but she reveled in the moment. The alcohol lent her confidence, and the crowd around her grew friendlier, more alluring by the second.

Whether by chance or not, Nick brushed her hand. A pleasant warmth spread through her skin, and her cheeks flushed. He kept talking, but she barely heard, teetering on the edge of euphoria. Lowering her gaze, she felt her breath catch. When she looked up, his hand grazed hers again.

“If you want, we could step outside for a walk,” he said, his smile warm and disarming. “It’s kinda loud in here, don’t you think?”

“You mean…” Her voice wavered with doubt. “Just you and me?”

“Yeah. Your friend can handle herself, right?”

“Um…” She glanced around for Lily. “I don’t know, I promised to wait for her.”

“But she’s not alone — Stacey’s around here somewhere.”

Hailey’s gaze dropped again. Inside, a battle raged between the thrill of adventure and the fear of abandoning her friend. The unknown scared her, but Lily’s ever-principled stance worried her more — she’d call this foolish, reckless. Yet those thoughts sparked defiance: Hailey had always followed her friend’s advice or her parents’ rules. Maybe it was time to choose for herself. Maybe this was the moment.

“Okay,” she said, her heart racing with the boldness of her choice. “Let’s go.”

Nick took her hand, his smile erasing her doubts. That warmth ignited something new — exciting and terrifying all at once.

Hand in hand, laughing, they darted outside like kids skipping class. Inside, Hailey had felt constrained, but the fresh air brought a strange lightness. A faint chill of unease lingered deep within. Looking at Nick, she believed something important awaited her, unaware that this choice would mark the start of something entirely different.

4

Leaving the bathroom, Lily descended to the first floor where she’d left Hailey and Nick. Not finding them, panic surged: a sharp pang stabbed her chest, and her face burned. The haze of alcohol vanished, replaced by a stark, unsettling clarity.

Pushing through the crowd, she scanned faces for Hailey. Disoriented, she crossed the living room, peeked into the kitchen — where a half-dressed couple made her recoil in disgust and shame — and checked other packed rooms. Neither Hailey nor Stacey was anywhere. The atmosphere grew oppressive, hostile, and she decided to step outside.

Pausing by the house, she willed her heart to slow and dialed Hailey’s number.

“Yeah?” Hailey’s voice brought a wave of relief.

“Hailey! Where are you?” Lily’s voice trembled with worry. “I can’t find you.”

“Lily, I’m sorry, Nick and I went for a walk…”

“What?” Lily exhaled, fighting panic. “What do you mean, ‘a walk’?”

“Please don’t be mad,” Hailey said, guilt in her tone. “Find Stacey — she’ll get you home, okay?”

“Wait, I don’t understand, Hailey…”

“I’m fine, don’t worry. Just find Stacey.”

“Hailey, wait—”

“Love you! Bye!”

“Hailey!”

Only short beeps answered. She redialed, but no one picked up. Fear and worry swelled like a hellhound clawing its way up a cliff’s edge. The ache in her chest felt almost physical.

She was alone at night in an unfamiliar neighborhood, with no one to call. Her parents were gone, and Stacey wasn’t someone she trusted. Worse, her best friend was off somewhere with a stranger. There was no certainty things would be okay.

Brushing her hair back, Lily glanced around. The street was empty; a lone dog barked in the distance, then fell silent. “Okay, Lily, no panic,” she muttered with a flicker of doubt and stepped onto the deserted road.

5

Lily hurried along the sidewalk, arms crossed tightly, brimming with worry and irritation. She feared for Hailey but was angrier still, muttering under her breath:

“I can’t believe it… ‘Went for a walk’… Oh, you’re in for it, Hailey… ‘Find Stacey,’ sure… I’ll get home myself…”

She couldn’t fathom that her best friend had ditched her at a party she’d dragged her to, convinced her to drink, then ran off. Hailey might seem flighty, but it was always just talk — Lily could always count on her. This betrayal didn’t fit.

A flash of lightning lit the road ahead. Lily stopped, glancing at the sky as sparse raindrops began to fall. Thunder rolled, and the rain intensified with alarming speed.

Spotting an alley between houses where she could take shelter, Lily lowered her head and ran toward it. Memories of her nightmare surged — the scene felt eerily similar. Her blood ran cold. But that kind of thing didn’t happen in the real world, did it?

Chapter 5: Screams in the Dark

1

Dashing into the alley, soaked to the bone, Lily hunched over, hands on her thighs, gasping for breath. The dark, desolate passage, like the streets around it, resembled a narrow tunnel. Catching her breath, she lifted her head and peered into the shadows. Nothing stirred, yet an uncanny dread gnawed at her — perhaps conjured by her own mind. Hesitantly, Lily moved toward the dim streetlamp at the alley’s end, the rain, to her surprise, already subsiding.

Her steps quickened, confidence growing — there was nothing to fear. The air turned chilly, and she wrapped her arms around herself. Nearing the tunnel’s exit, she froze, her eyes wide with horror. Something sinister and elusive watched her from a dark corner. At about six feet up the wall, a red glow flickered. Blinking, she dismissed it as fatigue, but the light intensified, splitting into two distinct points. Squinting, she cautiously stepped closer.

From the darkness, a figure emerged. The red points sharpened into eyes, and as they drew near, a face took form. Zarax — radiating an icy, ancient presence, alien to this world. The creature from her nightmare had found her in reality.

He advanced, and Lily, unable to scream, turned and stumbled backward toward the exit, her gaze locked on his. His eyes held hers, unrelenting. Zarax followed, unhurried, making no move to act. Stepping into the streetlamp’s glow, she could finally see him clearly: tall and athletic, scars crisscrossing his torso and arms, sharp black claws, and eyes emitting a crimson light. His chest was bare, black tight jeans cinched by a belt with double rows of metal studs. His barefoot toes bore claws as sharp as those on his hands. His movements seemed human yet carried an animalistic, perilous grace — fluid yet swift, powerful yet agile. He exuded an aura of dominance and control, his presence psychologically oppressive.

“This can’t be real…” Lily whispered.

Zarax leaned closer, his lips curling into a smirk, eyes wide with playful curiosity.

“Do you truly believe that?”

His fingers grazed her cheek, and terror seized her, as if icy tendrils gripped her heart and squeezed. With a cry, she bolted toward the dense bushes across the road.

Zarax stood still, his hand lingering where her cheek had been. His smirk grew more enigmatic, more menacing, as he lowered his arm, watching her flee. His game had begun.

2

Lily burst onto a narrow path hemmed by thick bushes and trees, halting to catch her breath. Her chest heaved painfully, each breath an agony. Glancing around, she searched desperately for safety, tears streaming down her face. Too exhausted to run again, she moved at a brisk pace, constantly looking back, expecting a shadow to loom behind her.

Further along the path, she froze. Fearing another encounter with her pursuer, she pressed her back against the bushes and reached for her phone. She considered calling the police but hesitated, imagining how absurd her story would sound.

She didn’t notice the presence behind her. A powerful hand clamped over her mouth. Lily tried to scream, but the sound died in her throat. She was yanked backward, pressed against a body radiating chilling strength. Another hand roughly gripped her shoulders. Thrashing wildly, she fought to break free, but the hold tightened.

Zarax, unfazed by her struggles, leaned in, sniffing her hair and neck — a primal, instinctive act that seemed natural to him. He wrinkled his nose with faint disdain and released her shoulder. Stepping aside, he allowed her to turn, then seized her face with an imperious grip and shoved her back. She cried out, falling onto her back and scrambling away.

“What do you want from me?” she sobbed, choking on tears.

Zarax smirked, as if her question were a jest. Kneeling, he grabbed her ankles and yanked her toward him. Lily screamed, clawing at the ground. He bared his teeth in a predatory grin, his clawed hand tearing her skirt with a single motion, leaving four deep gashes on her skin.

Trembling with horror, Lily tugged her skirt down with one hand to cover her exposed legs while using the other to drag herself away. He pulled her back again, and when she grabbed his shoulder to resist, he shoved her to the ground.

Mud from the rain smeared her face, but it was nothing compared to the terror behind her. Helpless, Lily stared ahead as Zarax pinned her legs, trapping her. A road lay just yards away, but fear rooted her in place. She tested her strength, gauging if she could break free, then felt his hands slide under her skirt. With a swift motion, he tore off her underwear.

Lily glanced back — her skirt hiked to her waist, his hands moving to his belt. This was no dream, and closing her eyes wouldn’t help. Gritting her teeth, she steeled herself. Her gaze hardened; there might not be another chance.

Zarax seemed consumed by the moment. Lily wrenched her leg free and kicked him square in the nose. He reeled, clutching his face, and she sprang up, pulling her skirt down as she fled.

Rising, he grinned approvingly, as if this were part of his plan, then turned and vanished into the darkness, his smile sly and sinister.

3

Lily raced down the road, puddles splashing underfoot, the renewed downpour lashing her face and hair, making it hard to breathe. Her lungs burned, but she couldn’t stop — not now. Her legs trembled with fear and exhaustion. Her house loomed ahead — her only sanctuary.

Reaching the door, she fumbled for her keys with shaking hands. Her fingers betrayed her, and the keys slipped, clattering onto the wet ground. She froze, glancing around, expecting him to lurk at every corner.

Quickly crouching, she snatched the keys from the mud, frantically jammed them into the lock, and turned. The door yielded.

Lily rushed inside, slammed it shut, and locked every bolt, as if that could shield her from the horrors outside. Leaning heavily against the cold wood, she buried her face in her hands.

Tears she could no longer hold back streamed down her cheeks. Her body slid to the floor, trembling. Tears soaked her fingers, wet hair clinging to her skin.

Pressing her tear-streaked face to the door, Lily sighed heavily and closed her eyes, the house’s silence slowly swallowing her exhausted mind. Her lungs and muscles still burned, her heartbeat thundered in her ears, but sleep began to claim her.

4

Hailey leaned against a tree, a faint, drunken smile on her lips, the night air caressing her skin. Nick approached, cupping her face and kissing her passionately. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He pressed himself tighter, his hand sliding to her thigh, fingers slowly lifting the hem of her dress.

What am I doing? she thought as his lips moved to her neck. She’d often imagined her first time, but it never involved a stranger in some forest. She’d dreamed of perfection, like any girl might. But the alcohol clouding her mind deemed this setting good enough.

Nick’s fervor was interrupted by a dull thud — something heavy hitting the ground. He pulled back, startled.

“Did you hear that?” he asked, turning.

“Yeah…” Hailey replied, alarmed. “What was it?”

“Sounded like something fell.”

Frowning, Nick moved toward the bushes, peering into the dense foliage for the source. In that instant, Zarax lunged from the darkness. His movements were both sinister and graceful, his eyes blazing with ravenous hunger. He seized Nick by the shoulders, sinking his teeth into his neck. A powerful kick to the chest sent Nick sprawling to the ground.

Zarax rose slowly, wiping blood from his face with a hand, his cold gaze locking onto Hailey. She froze, her breath caught, panic consuming her. As he stepped closer, sniffing the air, she stood paralyzed, staring into his eyes, wide with terror, while Nick lay choking on his own blood.

5

The room’s stone walls, cold and oppressive, had no windows. A crude shower stood in one corner, separated by a partition. A toilet and a sink with a dull mirror underscored how far she was from the familiar world. In the center stood three old beds, each with a nightstand. The only light came from a lamp above the bed where Hailey sat, still in her party dress. Tears, streaked with mascara, ran down her face.

Sniffling, she turned her head, fixating on something in the corner. Without taking her eyes off it, she slid off the bed and crawled swiftly across the uneven stone floor, ignoring the pain in her knees. There, on the ground, lay a key — an impossible find. Clutching it, she stared in disbelief, then pressed it to her chest. Her gaze darted around the room, fear gripping her that the monster might return.

Hurrying to the iron-barred door, she stood and reached through the bars, fumbling for the lock. Inserting the key, she heard a satisfying click, and tears of joy flowed harder. The thrill of impending freedom surged through her. The lock fell to the floor with a thud. Hailey yanked the door open and bolted into the corridor. Its walls were adorned with grotesque patterns of human skulls, as if built from them. The passage seemed to stretch endlessly.

Reaching a fork, she paused, frantically looking around. Left or right? She chose right. Racing down the corridor, she reached a heavy wooden door. She tugged the handle — nothing. She tried again, but her strength failed her. Collapsing to her knees in tears, she despaired.

“Why…” Hailey moaned, her face pressed to the cold stone.

Images of the night flashed before her: the party, Nick, the bloody ruin he became. And Lily — she had no idea if her friend made it home, or if she was angry. The freedom she’d craved brought nothing but ruin. Maybe listening to others was what she should’ve done. She shouldn’t have left. But it was too late to dwell — she had to escape.

Mustering her strength, she lifted her head, dreading becoming another skull in these walls. With a deep breath, she screamed and yanked the door again. This time it gave way, but the force sent her tumbling backward, her head striking the floor. Pain seared through her skull, and she squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn’t linger. Touching her head, she opened her eyes — and saw Zarax looming over her.

He approached slowly, his eyes cold and calm. Paralyzed by fear, Hailey couldn’t move, unable to fathom why her body betrayed her. She should’ve run, but she remained frozen. Her limbs trembled, her throat dry.

Bending down, he gently lifted a strand of her hair, his gaze locking onto hers. Hailey flinched, her heart pounding, nausea rising.

“You hit your head,” he said softly, almost tenderly. “Does it hurt?”

Hailey lowered her gaze and nodded mechanically, afraid to move. He gave a faint smile and straightened. A sigh of relief escaped her, but then he extended his hand. The memory of his bloodied, predatory grin after tearing into Nick’s neck burned in her mind. His shift from beast to something softer felt grotesque, unreal — nothing stopped him from reverting and ripping her apart.

“You shouldn’t wander here alone. Come,” his voice was eerily calm, as if nothing horrific had occurred.

Trembling, with no other choice, she placed her hand in his. He pulled her up, leaning close, his icy gaze piercing her. Hailey held her breath.

“Come,” Zarax repeated, smiling.

Turning, he led her forward, and she followed timidly. Glancing back at the open door, she saw only endless darkness beyond. Then she noticed the ghastly remnants of wings on his back — mangled stumps, sparse black feathers clinging to protruding bones, their edges seared with horrific burns. Nausea surged again. This wasn’t like the movies — real, mutilated flesh. She shuddered, imagining the pain such wounds would cause, a wave of fear and revulsion flooding her.

6

Hailey sat on the edge of the bed, hands trembling, her gaze fixed downward. Finding a key to freedom on the floor of her cell seemed too easy — perhaps a cruel jest, shattering her hopes like brittle ice. Zarax glided to her feet, kneeling before her, his hands settling on her thighs with a gentle yet terrifying grip. She flinched as his touch sent a chill through her, grimacing and turning away to avoid his gaze. His mere presence instilled a primal, inexplicable terror; his touch paralyzed her body and mind, like a black widow’s bite.

“Look at me,” he said softly but firmly, his fingers guiding her face back to his.

She raised her eyes timidly, lips pursed, her gaze filled with fear. Zarax stared directly at her, a slow, unnervingly calm smile spreading across his face.

“Are you afraid of me?”

Taking a deep breath, Hailey struggled for words but froze under his gaze. He brushed his hand gently across her cheek, as if soothing her.

“Be brave,” he whispered.

“I… yes…” Her voice was barely audible.

“No, no,” Zarax shook his head, correcting her. “There’s no need to fear. You’re not like your friend, are you?”

His hand slid from her face back to her thigh. Hailey glanced down in horror as his fingers grazed her skin. He leaned closer, catching her gaze, his eyes boring into her, compelling her to meet them.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said evenly, almost kindly. “You wanted adventure, didn’t you? You resented your friend always staying home, never joining you.”

“I love Lily…” Hailey whispered, tears welling.

“But you craved more, didn’t you?” He leaned closer, his breath grazing her skin, making her shudder in terror.

“I… I don’t know,” she said, lowering her eyes, but his voice coiled around her, trapping her.

“And that boy? What was his name?”

“Nick…” Her voice trembled.

Zarax tilted his head, as if peering into her soul.

“Did you like him?” His words were calm, as if he hadn’t caused Nick’s gruesome death.

“I only knew him a few hours… I don’t know…”

“But you wanted him, didn’t you?”

Hailey bowed her head, avoiding his gaze, her body shaking with fear and shame. She’d known Nick only briefly but let him closer than anyone before. If she hadn’t left with him, none of this would’ve happened.

“Do you think he was worthy of you?” His tone was almost consoling.

He brushed her cheek again, and Hailey struggled to grasp his meaning. Her heart raced, every muscle taut with fear.

“He didn’t know you like I do,” Zarax continued, his gaze piercing and insistent.

His hand slid back to her thigh, then higher, under her dress — a cruel parody of Nick’s touch, cutting deeper into Hailey’s pain. She felt not Zarax, but herself to blame, her own flaws leading her here.

“Please, stop,” she whispered, eyes wet with despair, placing a hand on his to halt him.

“After everything, it’s the least I can do for you,” he replied with evident pleasure, as if granting her a favor.

Hailey squeezed her eyes shut, realizing what awaited, tears streaming down her face. How did he know so much about her — things she’d never shared? Why her?

“Don’t be afraid,” he continued, his voice increasingly lulling. “I’ll just show you something new.”

She wanted to scream that she didn’t want this, but her body betrayed her. As his hand moved, she released her grip, no longer in control. She felt she no longer belonged to herself. His gentle touch began to feel warm, and a wave of self-loathing and disgust crashed over her. She longed to shut it all out, but every sensation burned brighter than ever before.

Chapter 6: Echoes of Phantoms

1

Barely suppressing a tremble, her heart pounding as if it might burst from her chest, Lily crept through the catacombs, their walls encrusted with human skulls. Fear bound her like cold chains, tightening with each step.

The tunnel twisted gently, and soon she reached an iron grate, secured from the outside with a padlock. Gripping the bars, Lily peered within. A dimly lit chamber lay beyond, its contents hard to discern. A bed seemed to stand at its center — an incongruous sight in this horrific place.

Finding nothing of note, Lily drew a deep breath and turned to leave when a cry pierced the darkness:

“Help me!”

She spun around and saw Hailey. Her friend’s face was streaked with tears, mascara smudged beneath her eyes. A metal collar gleamed around her neck, its chain taut as she strained toward the grate.

“Hailey!” Lily cried, choking back tears. She thrust her arm through the bars until her shoulder pressed against the iron.

Hailey reached back, their fingertips nearly touching, a mere inch apart. But then she faltered, her hand falling, a sad smile crossing her face, her eyes resigned.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“For what?!”

“I shouldn’t have left.”

The chain yanked Hailey back, the collar biting into her throat. She clutched at it, gasping for air, and stumbled backward, vanishing into the shadows.

2

Lily stirred from her doze, slumped against the front door. Her eyes snapped open, a sharp gasp escaping her lips. Her gaze darted around the room, fingers brushing the dried mud on her cheek, eliciting a shudder of revulsion. Inspecting herself, she recalled his eyes, his claws. This was no dream — her skirt was torn, scratches marred her skin. In a panic, she pulled out her phone with trembling hands and dialed Hailey’s number.

The line rang, unanswered. Her insides contracted into a tight knot, plummeting as if she were falling from a great height. With a pained sigh, she pocketed the phone, praying her dream bore no truth. Forcing herself to move, she rose with a groan, her body aching.

Limping from the pain that seared every muscle, Lily entered the kitchen and approached a cabinet. Her head throbbed, her hands unsteady, but she needed to erase the traces of last night’s ordeal. She opened the cabinet, retrieved a cloth, and moved to the sink. Turning on the water, she held the cloth under the stream as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Even if it was just a dream, Hailey had begged for help, and Lily had failed her — just as she’d failed her mother years ago when a drunken driver struck her at a crosswalk. Her mother had pleaded for help, but Lily, frozen, could only watch her die. She’d never forgiven herself, driven ever since by guilt, not kindness, to please those around her. Now, that guilt burned fiercer than ever.

3

In her room, Lily sank to the floor to avoid soiling the bed, dialed Stacey’s number, and pressed the phone to her ear, biting her lip as it rang.

“Come on…” she whispered, staring at the wall.

Time crawled agonizingly, her heart pounding, blood pulsing in her temples.

“Yeah?” Stacey answered, clearly annoyed.

Lily jolted, her breath catching. “Stacey, hi, it’s Lily…” she managed.

“Do you know what time it is?” Stacey snapped.

“Yeah, sorry — is Hailey home?”

“No clue.”

“Can you check? She’s not answering her phone.”

“God…” Stacey muttered, sighing heavily. “Hang on.”

Lily stood, pacing nervously, biting her nails. Please, let Hailey be home, she repeated, sweat beading on her forehead.

“Nope, her bed’s untouched,” Stacey said lazily, returning to the call.

Lily’s world crumbled. She covered her face with a hand, brushing her hair back.

“Do you have that guy Nick’s number?”

“Nah, obviously not. She’ll turn up once she’s done partying. Chill.”

“But what if—”

The line went dead. Stacey had hung up. To her, this was typical — her little sister probably just off somewhere.

“Damn it…” Lily whispered, trembling with worry.

4

Lily tossed her filthy clothes onto the floor and stepped into the shower. Murky water streamed down her legs, washing away the grime. Touching the cross necklace at her throat, she wondered what her mother would think, seeing her now. Each time she closed her eyes, she saw him — his domineering presence pinning her down, his scarred, clawed hands tearing her skirt, ripping away her underwear. What would have happened if she hadn’t escaped? Did these walls truly protect her, or did he have grander plans? What if it wasn’t just a nightmare? She sank to her knees, sobbing, overwhelmed by emotion. Curling into a ball, she hugged her legs.

Emerging wrapped in a towel, Lily wiped the fogged mirror and studied her reflection. She still felt defiled, as if water could never cleanse her. She rubbed the bruises on her neck and lowered her gaze. Lifting the towel slightly, she traced the claw marks down her thigh to her knee. Tears fell, and she grimaced, lips trembling. Opening the cabinet behind the mirror, she retrieved a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and set it before her.

Leaning on the sink, she met her reflection’s gaze, exhaled steadily, and wiped her tears. As she reached for the peroxide to treat her stinging wounds, a noise startled her. She gasped, turning toward the door.

Cautiously, she approached it, standing close and listening. Pressing her ear to the door, she heard footsteps. With a trembling hand, she grasped the lock, slowly turning it to avoid a loud click, holding her breath, eyes fixed on the handle.

As if in answer to her tension, the lock clicked shut. Lily flinched, squeezing her eyes shut, her breathing erratic. Retreating on tiptoe, she stood frozen in the room’s center, afraid to move.

Footsteps drew closer.

“Lily? You home?” Peter’s voice called.

Her mouth fell open, and she exhaled in relief, a smile breaking through as she covered her face. Her parents were back. Wiping her sweaty brow, she replied shakily, “Yeah, Dad, I’m in the bathroom. I’ll be out soon.”

“Okay, sweetheart,” he said.