NOTUM: Study Of A Nightwalker ✔️

Howl

"Who the. . ."

Neil turned around fully, his eyes settling on a subtle blue light in the factory. He frowned; the last shift had been over a few hours ago and he could've sworn that they were the last to leave.

It was hazardous enough working with highly reactive chemicals, but doing it at night would be absolute lunacy, unless you were one of those special agents who were standing outside.

He had talked to some of the workers during the tour, who had dutifully informed them about the happenings. The fifth floor had gotten very strange within the last few months apparently, until that one day when the workers were dragged off.

Government officials raided the place, detaining and questioning them relentlessly, even when they had told them that the workers had strayed into the forest behind.

The machinery used to pack the liquids was checked time and again, the systems scanned and the area patrolled at night. The agents refused to give him any information, dark shades masking their eyes.

"It's classified," they said, shutting down any further questioning.

Neil opened the door of the side entrance and snuck in, shoes hardly making a sound against the tiled floor. The polished reception desk in the main hall and the vase kept on it dimly reflected the blue light, making it easier for him navigate his surroundings.

His heart skipped a beat when he saw illumination on the fifth floor ceiling and the stairs stretching downwards.

"Could be thieves. . ." Neil muttered to himself, dreading the idea. He knew that he was seriously under prepared; the intruders could be armed with guns or grenades for breaking in.

The very thought of being held at gunpoint increased his breathing rate; he really wanted to see his family again.

But, he couldn't risk damage to the property. Even though the factory and the village seemed to be far from safe, the machinery, the skilled laborers and the raw materials made it promising. It was too good a deal to be thrown away, according to Helga.

Neil sighed in defeat; he had to check it out. Slowly, with a wailing knee he managed to walk upstairs.

He kept his eyes peeled on each step for chipped tiles and slippery water puddles. The blue light faded once in intensity and he began to suspect it being moonlight.

As he made his way upwards, a small shuffling sound from the second floor attracted his attention. He paused briefly, squinting to get a better view of the corridor, but all he saw was darkness.

"Hello?"

His voice echoed down the dark hallway, inciting nothing.

He shrugged it off as a result of his hyperactive imagination and extended his foot to take another step.

A fearsome hiss and the flicker of a black tongue prevented him from inviting further trouble. He reeled back, clutching the rusted rails as he watched the grass snake slither down, pulling its long tail behind it.

His heart rates were high, his face pale and his panting broke the silence of the night. He immediately covered his mouth to muffle his breaths.

The third floor did not favor his troubled mind either, with the plastic bags floating around like wandering clouds and the papers scrambling around the floor in circles.

He suddenly saw something dart in the shadows from the corners of his eyes. He swore that he had heard a soft bark.

By the time Neil approached the room where the bleach packing took place, his nerves were strained beyond normal. The light flitted from there, and cast eerie shadows on the marble floor below.