Death doesn't sleep

Chapter 3

Colby's skin crawled as he heard the young girl's desperate screams. He knew he had to act quickly, but something inside him was holding him back from rushing in. He pushed aside his fears as he moved forward, his feet light on the ancient staircase that creaked under his weight. He could hear the low growls and grunts of an unknown beast, its presence thick in the air. He silently cursed himself for not bringing a weapon, but the terror of the situation urged him on.Colby was nearly to the top when he saw the silhouette of a creature, framed in the opened door. Its eyes glinted with a feral ferocity, and its breath came in guttural snarls. He knew he didn't stand a chance against it, but he couldn't turn away now. He gathered all his courage and stepped forward. He didn't know what he was going to do, but he had to do something.

Colby knew he had to save her, but he had no weapons. He was alone and the monster seemed invincible. Then he had an idea.With shaking hands, he gathered a handful of pebbles from the ground and tossed them in the opposite direction. Instantly, the monster whipped its head round and charged after them in a flurry of claws and teeth.The distraction of the pebble gave Colby his chance. He ran towards the room ,  sprinting faster than he had ever run before. He could hear the roar of the monster as it caught up to the pebble and continued its pursuit, but it was too late.Colby launched himself through the door just as the monster reached it. He slammed it shut behind him and heard a mighty thud as the monster crashed into it.He turned to the girl, a stranger he had never met, and saw a look of bafflement in her eyes. "It's okay," he said gently. "I'm here to help you."

Colby cautiously approached the young woman huddled in the corner  her slight frame trembling beneath the black leggings and hoodie  she was wearing. He cleared his throat, trying to think of what to say, before finally introducing himself."Hi, I'm Colby," he said softly. "I heard you screaming and thought you might need help."The young woman nodded and mumbled her name, barely audible."I'm Amber."Colby nodded, figuring that it was best not to ask too many questions. He wanted to offer her help, but also give her space should she need it.He slowly reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, worn pocketknife."I don't know if this will be of any use to you," he said, holding it out to her. "But you can keep it, just in case."Amber slowly accepted the pocketknife, gripping it tightly with both hands. Her gaze shifted from Colby to the knife, studying it for a moment before finally looking up and meeting his eyes."Thank you," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "You didn't have to do this."Colby smiled kindly and shrugged."I wanted to," he said, offering her a hand. "Come on. Let's get you somewhere safe."

Amber nodded standing up, a silent understanding passing between her and Colby. "Would you like to bring anything? Just pack light; I'll stand outside," Colby said with a cute bunny smile, his blue eyes twinkling.Amber smiled back and went to her closet, grabbing her black bag. She packed her few belongings hastily, not certain what awaited her on the other side of the door. She slung the bag over her shoulder and took a deep breath, readying herself for whatever was to come. Colby opened the door and stepped outside, waiting silently for Amber to join him. She followed, the door closing softly behind her with a heavy finality.She had no idea what lay ahead, but something in her chest fluttered with anticipation. Whatever it was, it was going to be an adventure.

What will come in a world like this?