Obsidian creatures slithered after the two refugees under the descending sun. The abandoned field paid homage to half-eaten corpses scattered along its patches of grass. The ravenous malos slid in unison, driven by the smell of fresh meat.
Sonia was wary of how long her stamina could endure. She didn't know how long she could keep running before they were devoured. Her shallow breaths heaved like a deteriorating engine. She forcefully swallowed the mass in her throat as another ominous hum ricocheted through the air. Sonia stifled her fear.
Feeding time was near.
Garrett's calloused hand yanked her forward. His sweaty grip was the only thing that soothed the Hannibal raging inside her. Sanity was a privilege Sonia could not sacrifice. The humming intensified. She peeked over her shoulder, ignoring Garrett's warning bark. Her ankle twisted as she tripped over a torso.
"Fuck!" Sonia wailed. "My ankle―"
Her vision blurred as Garrett swung her over his shoulder. His pace slowed considerably bearing her weight. Sonia raised her head to meet the soulless sockets of their assailants. Her heart hammered against her ribcage, enabling her to reach out with her hand. She had an insatiable itch.
"Don't look at them!" Garrett growled. "Just this once, listen to me!"
She cried as their tantalizing Cheshire smiles filled her peripheral.
"I can't!" Sonia sobbed. "They're smiling at me! Why the fuck are they smiling at us?!"
He ignored her pleas and focused on the translucent barrier welcoming their refuge. His heart bore an acidic burn. He sprinted with all his might toward their safe haven.
"Open the barriers!" he pleaded. "Please, help us! Anybody!"
A small opening caught his attention. Someone listened to them. Sonia's hand fell aimlessly as Garrett tightened his grip on her, taking a seven foot leap of faith. A kaleidoscope of colors blinded her vision as they flew through the barrier. The deafening hum vibrated their molars just as darkness consumed the sky.
Feeding time was here.
~
Sonia's eyes shot open. She sat upright, alarmed at her new surroundings. The narrow burlap tent did little to mask the sweltering heat. Her hands stroked the material of the frayed sleeping bag encasing her. The dull sting in her wrapped ankle reminded her of last night's events. She scratched the back of her neck with fervour. The sudden rustling of the flimsy tent halted her movements. Her nerves calmed as Garrett returned with spare clothes.
"Oh good you're up," he noted. "About time."
She opened her mouth to speak and croaked. He shook his head in amusement.
"Have some water," Garrett said.
He tossed her a sealed bottle, urging her to drink up. She hesitated.
"It's filtered. Drink all you want," he reassured. "There's limited supply but it's clean. They're not too happy that someone let us in last night."
Sonia took a long swig of the bottle's content. Her parched mouth forgot the taste of water. She hurled the empty bottle back at Garrett's face once it finished.
"Who let us in?" she breathed out. "I thought we were done for."
He threw the empty bottle back.
"I don't know," he admitted. "And I told you not to look back last night. We almost died because of you."
Sonia rolled her eyes. "Fuck you."
"I believe the words are thank you," he drawled. "You know, thank you for saving my life, sorry for not listening to you―"
