Devil's Attic

Chapter Eleven

In the distance, Jonathan could see a massive being that appeared to be at least nine feet tall, if not taller. Its appearance was both alien and strangely human, with broad shoulders, long arms, and two large hands that hung at knee height. It walked on two legs with an unsettling grace, and its head was disproportionately large compared to its slender body. The creature's cold, strange eyes and grotesque face were framed by a few strands of hair, and its entire body was glowing, like a firefly.

Jonathan couldn't believe what he was seeing - an otherworldly creature that seemed out of place on this planet. A sense of dread washed over him when he noticed another figure turning the corner. And then another, and another. Panic surged through him, causing him to briefly close his eyes. The sight of these strange, luminous beings multiplying was overwhelming. They moved in a procession, following a leader, and their presence filled the cave with a radiant blue light. Adding to the unease, small reptile creatures scurried between them, sending shivers down Jonathan's spine. Overwhelmed, one by one, the students sought refuge by completely ducking behind the safety of the rocks.

As the beings advanced, the noise grew louder, indicating their sheer numbers. There must have been hundreds of them. However, they were now dangerously close, and Jonathan didn't dare to peek. Yet, he couldn't help but hear the first being. It emitted a soft, haunting melody that was both beautiful and creepy. The other beings joined in, creating an ethereal chorus. Through a narrow crack in the rock, Jonathan caught a glimpse of them carrying one of their own on a makeshift stretcher. It became clear to him: it was a solemn procession, a funeral march. They were bringing their fallen comrade into the cave with the lakes, most likely to lay them to rest there.

Jonathan gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to scream in terror. He clung tightly to Eden, who had closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. When he glanced at Henry, he saw the same fear etched on his face. It was then that Jonathan realized they were doomed. If the beings discovered them, they would not survive. He had no idea how well these creatures could see, hear, or smell, so he dared not move a muscle. They were at the mercy of these otherworldly beings, and the only thing they could do was wait and hope for the best.

It felt like an eternity as they lay there in the darkness, waiting for the procession to pass. Finally, after nearly an hour, the rumbling sounds faded away, and the cave returned to pitch darkness. The four of them remained side by side, catching their breath. Henry broke the silence, his voice filled with disbelief, "What in the world were those glowing creatures? There were so many of them."

"Thousands," Paul interjected. "There were thousands of them. How is it even possible for them to survive in this environment?"

"And why do they shine? How do they do it?" Eden added quietly.

The questions hung in the air, echoing their astonishment and curiosity. The mysterious nature of these creatures and their ability to thrive in such an inhospitable place left them in bewilderment.

"We can ponder that later when we're out of here. But for now, while the coast is clear, we should take the opportunity to move," Jonathan said, switching on his flashlight and shining it toward the archway. "The creatures are gone. Perhaps we can find a way out through the city."

"City?" Henry asked.

"Yes," Jonathan replied, rising to his feet. "A city. They don't just live in the cave. We've seen their buildings. And maybe, just maybe, that's the way out we're looking for."

Henry snorted but slowly sat up. "Or maybe we'll walk straight into the lion's den. Who knows how many of them are out there? And what if they come back?"

"They'll find Kayla," Eden said, rising as well. "And once they do, they may come looking for us. We have to keep moving, quickly, before they return."

Paul shared Henry's concerns. "But what if they come back before we find a way out? We'll be trapped."