SOMETHING WAS TOUCHING HIM.
Alzar’s skin was crawling. He could feel it. The sensation of touch, on a body part he couldn't see. A vein on his neck bulged as he squirmed in the mud, tugging at his hair.
The air was thick, suffocating, and cold, settling in his lungs like a fluid. Fancy was watching him, her eyes the only thing he could discern through his blurry vision. Her eyes felt like knives.
He had never felt so alone.
Another sensation rippled through him. Alzar let out a cry, digging his fingernails into his back. Dry skin tore under his frantic slashes, the warm blood almost a godsend.
He didn't want this. He didn't want to be a World Eater.
He was going to tear the monster out of him.
Every motion caused his own flesh to gather under his nails. He drew his hands to his throat, tearing and squeezing at his Adam’s Apple. He gasped as blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth, the air in his lungs turning to shards of glass.
His throat began to stitch itself together. Chucks of skin Alzar had ripped out regenerated, leaving fresh, clean patches.
He was writhing in the mud, fighting a battle that was impossible to win. From his position on the ground, he choked, the blood pooling under him leaking into his mouth.
For reasons he couldn't describe, the scene triggered a memory. Alzar found himself, fourteen, in his kitchen, sitting in front of Sariel. His arms were bleeding, a combination of his picking sores and self inflicted scratches. Sariel’s hand was on his shoulder, gauze and a washcloth sitting on the table. His eyes were wide as he urged Alzar to take care of himself.
Whimpering, Alzar pulled up his head, searching for Fancy. She stood only a few feet away, arms crossed behind her back, expressionless.
She didn't care. She never had.
Weak, Alzar came to his feet, barely able to stand. He stumbled back, tears spilling from his eyes.
He didn't care what Fancy had said about Sariel.
He needed him.
Static seemed to buzz in the air, taking Alzar off guard. He gasped, dropping to his knees. It felt...warm?
He shuddered. It was getting closer.
Fancy met his eyes, smiling. “Ah, it's finally begun.”
YOU ARE READING
World Eater
Horror**1ST PLACE FEATURED IN HORROR 8-31** Alzar's mind wasn't the only thing that was falling apart. ---- After an emotional outburst lands him in the principal's office, Alzar Lorne forced into a series of in-depth sessions with the school's new counse...
