The Last Howl
With the path temporarily cleared by the giant Alpha's wrath, I quietly took advantage of the opening and slipped past.
...Thank you for your sacrifice, random strangers.
I was actually beginning to think I had successfully outrun the worst of the madness. Until I felt a sudden, violent jerk. My backpack snapped backward, pulling me off balance.
"What the-!"
I spun on my heel, my adrenaline spiking as I found myself staring at a flush-faced, green eyed freshman gripping my left strap. He was panting heavily, his face dripping with sweat and desperation. "If I can't pass the gate..." he wheezed, pulling harder, "...neither can you."