𝚶 𝐧 𝐞 𝚩 𝐲 𝚶 𝐧 𝐞 || 8 people 8 deaths

.11.

Ben's relief was short-lived as he heard distant footsteps behind him. His heart raced faster, and he pushed himself to run harder, feeling the cold air bite into his lungs. "Just keep running," he told himself, desperate to escape the horrors he had witnessed.

He stumbled upon a small path that seemed to lead towards the main road. "This has to lead somewhere," he muttered, hoping against hope that he'd find someone who could help. The trees loomed ominously around him, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching out in the dark.

Suddenly, he saw headlights in the distance. "Yes! Finally!" he exclaimed, waving his arms frantically as he ran towards the light. The car slowed down, and a woman rolled down her window, her face a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Are you alright?" she asked, her voice gentle yet wary.

Ben nodded, breathless. "Please, you have to help me. My friends...they're all dead. We were at this house, and..." His words tumbled out in a frantic rush.

The woman opened the door, and Ben quickly got in, grateful for the warmth and safety of the vehicle. "We'll get you to the police," she said, her tone reassuring. "Everything will be alright."

As they drove away, Ben leaned back in the seat, exhaustion overtaking him. He closed his eyes, the events of the night playing out in his mind. He knew he'd never forget the horrors he had seen, but at least he was safe now.

When they arrived at the police station, Ben was led inside, where he was met by concerned officers and his worried father. "Ben!" his father cried, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Thank God you're safe."

Ben explained everything that had happened, from the moment they arrived at the lake house to the terrifying events that unfolded. "It was like a nightmare," he said, his voice shaking. "We found these rules, and then...everyone started disappearing, dying in horrible ways."

An officer asked, "Who called for help, Ben?"

He looked up, his eyes filled with relief and gratitude. "It was Mia's mom. She called after not hearing from her daughter for four days."

The officer nodded. "You're lucky she did. We'll investigate the house and find out what happened. For now, you need to rest and recover."

As Ben was led to a quiet room, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and sorrow. He was safe, but his friends were gone. The weight of survivor's guilt pressed heavily on him. He knew he'd have to live with the memories of that night, but for now, he was just grateful to be alive.

Lying in the bed, Ben's thoughts drifted back to his friends. "I wish I could have done something to save you," he whispered into the darkness. "I hope you all can find peace, wherever you are." With that, he closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to rest.