Screams of the Night

Chapter 23: Dark and Light.

The afternoon sun spilled golden light over the park, casting dappled shadows through the trees. Laughter echoed, punctuated by the happy yips of dogs chasing after balls and each other. Trevor and Marco lounged on a picnic blanket, their hands intertwined as they munched on sandwiches, relishing the gentle breeze that swirled around them. Nearby, Aria and Lily were wrapped in each other's arms, sharing soft whispers and occasional bursts of laughter that spoke of an intimacy only they understood.

"Do you think we should get a dog?" Trevor mused, glancing over at the couple across the way. Marco smirked, his eyes dancing with mischief.

"Only if we can name it something ridiculous," he replied, taking a bite of his sandwich. "Like Sir Barksalot."

Trevor chuckled, shaking his head. "I was thinking more like 'Thunder' or 'Blaze.' Something cool."

"Right, because a dog named Blaze is definitely cooler than Sir Barksalot," Marco teased, rolling his eyes. He leaned back, letting the sun warm his face.

Just a few yards away, Aria nudged Lily, pointing toward the pair. "Are they seriously discussing dog names?" she whispered, giggling. Lily nodded, her dark curls bouncing as she laughed softly.

"Maybe we should get a dog too," Lily said, her eyes sparkling. "Imagine how cute they'd be playing together."

Aria tilted her head, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Or we could get a cat. Something a little more... independent."

As the laughter echoed in the air, a shadow lurked just beyond the park's boundaries, hidden among the trees. Liam ambled through the park, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his oversized shirt, his green Converse scuffing against the pavement. His dirty blond hair hung in a tousled mess, and the afternoon sun made his blue eyes glint with mischief—if only they were actually green, as everyone assumed. He felt a twinge of unease, a shiver that ran down his spine as he caught sight of a figure watching him from a distance.

"Just keep walking," he muttered to himself, urging his feet to move faster. The world felt larger than usual, the shadows beneath the trees stretching unnaturally long. He could hear laughter, the joyful sounds of his friends, but it felt so far away.

Suddenly, a rough hand grabbed his shoulder, spinning him around. Liam's heart raced as he found himself face-to-face with a snarling stranger, a cruel glint in their eyes. "Look what we have here—a freak in the wild. What's the matter, fox? Lost your way?"

Liam's throat tightened. He took a step back, instinctively curling into himself, but the attacker stepped closer, shoving him hard. Pain blossomed in his chest as he stumbled back, fear surging through him.

"Leave him alone!" A voice rang out, sharp and commanding. A figure bounded into view—tall, with a proud set of antlers and a coat of soft brown fur. The furry, whose fursona was a reindeer, stood protectively in front of Liam, eyes blazing.

"Get lost!" the reindeer shouted, horns lowered. The attacker sneered but faltered under the fierce gaze. With a final glare at Liam, they retreated into the shadows.

"Are you okay?" The reindeer turned to Liam, concern etched into their features. "I saw what happened. I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner."

Liam nodded, though his heart was still racing. "I... I'm fine. Just startled."

"Let's get you out of here." The reindeer extended a hand, and Liam took it, grateful for the warmth and strength that radiated from the other.They hurried back toward the park, where the sounds of laughter and joy wrapped around them like a comforting blanket. As they approached, Trevor, Marco, Aria, and Lily noticed their hurried strides, the tension evident in Liam's posture.