𝐈𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

C HA P T E R _ T W O

We reached the top of the hill and saw Steven and Archie sitting under a tree, leaning against it and panting heavily.

"How far is the cabin?" Steven asked between breaths.

Archie, still panting, managed a grin. "Maybe it ran away after all,"

"Guys, looks like there's no network signal here," Harrison said, checking his phone.

"Yeah," Mylo shrugged. "We're pretty far from town."

I turned around and looked down the trail. The road had vanished behind the trees, and the woods looked darker. A cool wind swept across my face, sending a chill down my spine. The rustling leaves added an eerie touch.

"Guys, we should keep moving. It's gonna rain any—" Mylo was cut short as a thunder roared, and the sky opened up, drenching us in an instant.

We scrambled to cover our heads, but it was useless—the rain was relentless. Archie and Steven quickly got to their feet, their laughter replaced by groans of annoyance.

"This is just perfect," Steven muttered, trying to shield his face from the downpour.

"Come on, the cabin can't be much farther!" Mylo shouted over the sound of the rain, leading the way up the path.

Harrison tightened his grip on my arm, giving me a reassuring nod. "Let's go," he urged, and we followed Mylo, pushing forward through the rain.

As we trudged up the muddy path, soaked to the bone, the rain started to let up. Through the thinning curtain of rain, we finally saw the cabin come into view. It was medium-sized, made from sturdy pine wood that had weathered many seasons. The cabin stood solidly against the backdrop of dense trees, its wooden exterior blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

A covered porch wrapped around the front, offering a welcome bit of shelter from the rain. The windows were small but cozy, their shutters painted a deep forest green. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, promising warmth inside. The front door was adorned with a simple wreath of twigs and pinecones, giving it a rustic, inviting feel.

"Thank God, we made it," Archie said, his voice filled with relief.

"Looks even better than I remembered," Mylo added, smiling as he led the way to the porch.

"Lemme in first, I'm soaked as the ocean," Archie said, rushing to unlock the door. He pushed it open and stepped inside, only to stop dead in his tracks. The rest of us piled in behind him, and everyone gasped.

Standing in the dimly lit hallway was an old woman. She had a hunched back and wore a long, tattered dress that brushed the floor. Her hair was wild and gray, cascading in tangled waves around her deeply lined face. Sharp, piercing eyes glinted from beneath her heavy brows, and a hooked nose gave her an almost bird-like appearance. With gnarled hands, she clutched a cane adorned with strange carvings, adding to her witch-like aura.

Archie's eyes widened in terror. "Witch!" he yelled, stumbling back toward us.

"That's Anita Bath," Mylo said casually as he walked past us towards her. "She does the housekeeping."

"Oh, Mylo," Anita said with a hint of amusement, her voice crackling with age. "After so many years, you decided to come."

Mylo chuckled nervously, exchanging a glance with the rest of us.

Mylo cleared his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable under Anita's scrutinizing gaze. "Uh, yeah... Sorry we're a bit wet and chaotic. We didn't expect to run into anyone," he explained, trying to diffuse the tension.

Anita's expression softened, and she nodded knowingly. "No worries, dear. I'm used to unexpected guests," she said cryptically, her eyes flickering towards the rest of us as if assessing our presence.

Harrison stepped forward, offering a polite smile. "Thank you for welcoming us, Anita. We're grateful to be here," he said, his voice steady despite the uneasy atmosphere.

Anita nodded again, her demeanor shifting from wary to somewhat more hospitable. "You're welcome to stay as long as you need. Let me show you to your rooms," she said, turning to lead us further into the cabin, her cane tapping lightly against the wooden floor.

Anita led us down a narrow hallway, pointing out rooms as we passed. "Steven, Archie, and Mylo, you three will be in here," she said, opening a door to a spacious room with three single beds lined up against the wall. The room was cozy, with wooden beams on the ceiling and a large window that looked out onto the forest. A single lamp cast a warm glow over the rustic furniture.

"Thanks, Anita," Mylo said, dropping his bags at the foot of one of the beds.

"Where can I find the washroom?" Steven asked.

"It's right at the front of the kitchen," Anita replied.

"Gosh, I need to light myself," Steven said and hurried away.

"Wait for me too," Archie said and followed him.

She continued down the hall with Harrison and me in tow. She opened the last door on the left. "And this will be your room," she said, stepping aside to let us in.

I walked in and immediately noticed the single bed against the far wall. It was small, barely big enough for one person, let alone two. The room was quaint, with wood-paneled walls and a small dresser in the corner. A woven rug covered the floor, and a few shelves held old books and trinkets.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight of the small bed. "Looks like we'll be getting cozy," I said, glancing at Harrison.

He smirked, dropping his bag beside the dresser. "I don't mind," he replied, his eyes twinkling.

I began to peel off my wet clothes, shivering slightly from the cool air. As I fumbled with my shirt, I felt Harrison's warm hands on my shoulders. He gently turned me around, and I saw the intensity in his gaze. He leaned in, brushing his lips against my shoulder in a tender kiss. The touch sent a shiver down my spine, but this time it wasn't from the cold.

"Let me help you," he murmured. He helped me out of my soaked shirt, his hands lingering on my skin. I closed my eyes, savoring the warmth of his touch.

When things started to get real, I suddenly noticed Mylo standing in the doorway. Panicking, I pushed Harrison's naked, heated body away, and he fell off the bed with a loud thud.

"Gosh, Mylo, how long have you been there?" I screamed, my face burning with embarrassment as I quickly pulled the sheets up to my chin.

"Not my fault you left the door wide open," Mylo said, crossing his arms and snickering. "You two need to be more careful."

Harrison groaned from the floor, rubbing his shoulder. "A little warning next time, would be nice," he muttered, shooting a glare at Mylo.

"Seriously, Mylo, you couldn't knock?" I said, my frustration bubbling over.

"Relax, I'm just messing with you," Mylo replied, still chuckling. "Anyway, get dressed and come to the kitchen. We've got to figure out dinner and make sure the place is set up for the night."

He turned to leave but paused at the door. "Oh, and try to close the door this time," he added with a wink before finally walking away.

Harrison and I exchanged a look, a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Well, that was awkward," I said, finally breaking the silence.

"Yeah," Harrison agreed, standing up and grabbing his clothes. "But also kind of funny."

I couldn't help but laugh a little as I got dressed. "Let's just make sure we lock the door next time."