I shift on my feet, clutching the hem of my top. “I… I don’t know. It just feels kinda weird undressing like this.” Lucas lets out a low chuckle as he unbuttons his pants. “Seriously, Aria? You can’t be shy now.” “I mean… it’s been a while since we, you know…” He raises an eyebrow as he slides hi
Lucas and I end up spending most of the day outside. We sit on a fallen log near the edge of the woods, talking with our friends through Lucas since I still can’t use the mind-link. Not being part of Shadow Pang keeps me locked out of that. Kinda sucks, but Lucas makes it work. Poor guy’s caught in
Aria Thankfully, Mark’s stable now, though he’s still passed out on the couch. Whatever weird herbs Shiva used on him actually worked, which still surprises me, considering how bad he looked earlier. As for me, I’m curled up on another couch, right next to Lucas, who’s completely out cold. His ar
Aria Shiva’s big plan is for us to carry Mark back to the creepy, skull-infested cabin while she heads out to find some herbs. I didn’t even catch the name of it. Something rare, obviously important, but at this point, it just sounds like more weird shit in this forest. Mark’s stretched out on th
Before I can move, I feel myself being lifted off the ground. The creature’s grip around my body is crushing. My eyes dart around in a panic. Mark is sprawled on the ground across from me, groaning and bleeding out. Shiva lies unconscious not far from him. Lucas, barely able to move, is trying to st
Aria I can literally feel the breath of the creature on our backs as we run through the thick forest. The darkness is nearly blinding, and Lucas and I aren’t even holding a torch, which makes it worse. I can’t see Shiva or Mark, but I know they’re behind us. At least I hope they are. Suddenly, a s
Ahead of us, Mark keeps limping forward. The blood from his leg is still pouring out, soaking his pants and leaving a trail behind him. It makes my stomach twist, all that blood. I can’t help it. The words slip out before I can stop myself. “Mark, maybe we need to check your leg.” “Thank you, but
Aria “What’s that sound?” Lucas asks, pulling me closer, his arm wrapping protectively around my waist as we both stare at the door like it's about to burst open. “I think it’s the creature,” Shiva answers, her voice low and tense. She raises her flashlight and sweeps it across the dark room, try
“You know what? Fuck this,” Lucas suddenly says, his voice hard and final. “Aria and I are leaving. We’re not staying in this place another second.” I let out a long sigh. “Lucas... come on…” He turns to me, and his eyes are serious. “Aria, look around. Doesn’t this place scream trap to you?” I f