SOMETHING ROAMS THE NIGHT...

THIRTY

The first thing I felt when I woke was the cold, biting through my skin. I opened my eyes, but it didn't seem any different to when I had my eyes closed-I was engulfed in total darkness. I had no idea where I was, or what I was doing on the hard cement floor. I winced at the pain that lanced through my head as I tried to get up. 

What had just happened? Where the hell was I?

"Hello?" I called when I sat up straight. My hands and feet were benumbed, and so was my face. The temperature was probably below zero-was I in some sort of freezer?

Good Haley, you're awake...

It's a little bit cold in there, isn't it?

The same, heinous voice, mocking me.

"What do you want?" I stammered. I was both afraid and cold at the same time, and it was not a good combination.

 Why, we want your blood...

I could hear the reaper licking its lips, and then making an engrossing, slurping sound. 

We've been hungry for quite some time now...

Now won't you be a good girl and let us feed?

"Where the hell am I? What have you done to my family?"

I cannot tell you where you are, Haley...

But I assure you, we didn't leave a single scratch on your family...

And that young Kane?

He was stubborn, still wouldn't want to leave town...

So he gave us no choice...

But to kill you.

"No. Please. Don't do this," I backed away, jolting when my spine came in contact with the freezing cold wall. "Please, don't do this," I repeated. 

Blame it all on the Kanes, Haley...

They trespassed our territory...

And for that they shall pay...

I knew I had company the moment I saw the pair of flaming golden eyes that suddenly appeared before me. The eyes seemed to be floating on thin air as the reaper approached me. I could smell its acrid scent, and my stomach lurched.

"Please, I don't want to die," I pleaded in between hitched breaths. "Please don't do this..."

I'm so sorry, Haley...

It was asking for forgiveness, but it didn't sound the least bit apologetic.

But your death is no longer an option...

A sinister claw extended from the shadows, and with one swift motion, the reaper plunged it into my throat. There was a soft popping sound, as if someone had put a needle into a balloon.

Blood spewed from the wound like a fountain, and I collapsed in a senseless heap to the floor.