After Dark (Completed)

Season 1: Episode 18

A sudden chill started from my spine and worked it's way up my neck. I sat up from my stiff position on the ground disturbing Irena in the process. I was too preoccupied with the apprehension that something bad was about to happen to apologize to her.

I looked around slowly, not to fast to warrant an attack in case there were some things waiting for a movement to attack. And I saw them. A tiny gasp, which I barely caught left Irena's mouth and I could see them stir.

The forest around had plenty pairs of red laser like eyes. I could guess that the creatures probably thought they were well hidden while keeping an eye on us but they must be some dumb creatures if they didn't think their eyes would give them away so the only way out for us is to try to outsmart them or we become fast food to them.

I turned back towards Irena who looked about to pass out and motioned for her to stay quiet. I gestured with my hands towards Lucas to let her know I'll go to him but she shook her head no begging me with her eyes to stay but I gently patted her hands and whispered.

"Someone has to let them know for them to be prepared. If they don't wake up soon, those things would get tired of waiting and would attack them while they're still asleep. If they're awake then at least they can fight for their lives."

"But what if they attack when you move? You'd be their first target. We could just scream at them to get up and run."

"And you think they'd be faster than those things?" She looked around once more as if to confirm if the things were actually real and she seemed to come to the conclusion that they were in fact real because her grip on me tightened.

"We're all going to die." She was trembling to hard I had no choice but to pull her closer. The coldness which seemed to be emitting from those creatures in waves almost had me chattering my teeth. I wonder how the others aren't awake yet.

"I think we all knew deep in our minds." that the job wouldn't be easy. Trust me these people here would have considered the possibilities so I doubt they would be paralyzed by fear and would immediately take action." I reassured her then proceeded to untangle her hands from around me.

I inched slowly forward, praying in my mind to whatever God was available at the moment for divine protection from those evil creatures. As I moved, I started to wonder how they kill? Did they bite? Or worse swallow? I gulped.

The fear of being swallowed alive bared down on me and I gripped my neck hard to avoid making choking sounds. As I walked forward, looking straight ahead like a soldier performing a March past I saw from the corner of my eyes that some of them had started moving closer, inching their way towards us like I predator to a prey.

I increased my pace, tripping on some people's leg and causing them to stir, a man woke and cursed at me for disturbing his sleep but I paid him no attention. I finally got to where Lucas was sleeping which was at the edge of the camp and shook him awake.

"Lucas, Lucas, get up."

"What?!" He sat up and smiled and while I felt something flutter at my stomach because the smile that was there because of me I knew if I didn't put the feelings aside, we'd be dead before I could say 'i like you too'.

"We have to leave." He must have heard the urgency in my voice and was about to ask what was wrong when I not so subtly pointed towards the forest which was now lit with red colours. I expected fear from Lucas but all I got was apprehension and I didn't even have enough time to blink when he had stood up and had started whispering into people's ear. Most of them were up already, some paralyzed by fear and some looking like they couldn't believe what they were seeing.

I sighed. They was no way all of us would get out of here unharmed. But at least they were awake it's better than be caught unaware. The things were getting closer. It was as if they were waiting for us all to wake before they began the attack.

I was just preparing myself to run when Lucas grabbed my hand.

"Run for your lives!"

He screamed and simultaneously, the whole forest erupted in different shierks and snarl. It made an harmonious horror soundtrack.

Irena.

I whipped my head back to see her right behind. I sighed.

Right now, the plan isn't to stay alive but to make sure Irena doesn't die. She being smarter than some of the people in the group would certainly help too.

"Faster Irena," I called and she appeared beside me. Just then a piercing scream from pain shook the whole forest, the thick green foliage made it hard to run but I could tell we were quite far from the camp. I saw Irena struggling to keep up. I was too but Lucas pulling me along kept me going. Shouldn't I be trying to keep her alive? How would running in front of her help?

"Lucas, wait." I tugged my hand in his when he wouldn't stop.

"We can't wait, Maya. Are you tired? Should I carry you?" He said and reduced his pace.

"No, take Irena instead." Irena who was already doubled over and gasping looked up and shook her head. I cut her off before she could talk.

"Please Lucas."

He looked into my eyes and maybe he saw my strong resolve to keep her alive at all cost because he didn't argue further and bent to carry Irena then continued further but at a slightly slower paced. I smiled before running after them.