The Lost Ones

Prologue

James awoke from his sleep, his body paralyzed, having sensed a dark presence lurking over him. He pressed himself against the headboard of his bed and quickly scanned the room, eyes darting to each blackened corner, searching for the prowler.

Nothing.

James let out a heavy sigh, in an attempt to calm his rapid paced heartbeats. Groggy and dazed, he tumbled in bed and reached for his alarm clock. The eerily red numbers read 2:36 am. He rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath. The air was noticeably thick, like dust in a vacant chamber. James attempted to return to sleep but the grumbling and groaning of his empty stomach was keeping him awake. "Knew I shouldn't have skipped dinner," James whispered to himself. He slid to the edge of his bed, and planted his feet on the worn hardwood floor. The floorboards creaked under his weight and the icy ground sent a wave of shivers up his spine. Making his way to the door, James noticed a light coming from the hallway through the keyhole.

Did mom forget to turn off the light again?

Just as James was about to turn the doorknob, a shrill scream echoed through the halls.

Oh shit!

"Mom!" James yelled, calling after his mother. He swung open the door and a rush of blazing heat burned hot against his skin. The entire house was engulfed in flames, climbing the walls like wild vines. Yet another piercing scream filled the air accompanied by a loud crash. "Mo-" James was cut short as the thick smog began to fill his lungs, making nearly impossible to breathe. He hurried down the hall towards the stairs, covering his mouth and nose with his arm to prevent any more smoke inhalation. Sweat dripped down his face from a mixture of the intense heat and sheer terror of the situation at hand.

I need to get to mom!

James quickly stumbled down the stairs and turned the corner into the living room. He stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide and paralyzed by fear. His mother lay motionless, surrounded by flame on the living room floor. Lurking above her was a tall, menacing phantom. It was like staring into a black hile, devoid of light, unable to sustain any life. There were no distinct facial features, however it felt as though it were peering through James' very soul. It gave of an extremely unpleasant aura, similar to the one James felt earlier in his bedroom, that sent chills through his body. James stood transfixed, glaring at the figure for what seemed like an eternity when suddenly it spoke. "You're time is coming," the voice groaned in a ghastly tone.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

James was fading into his mind, trying to decipher the cryptic message, when a slight groan caught his attention. James' mother had regained consciousness and was slowly coming to. He instantly began rushing towards her to aid her when the phantom extended his arm towards James. The floor beneath his feet trembled violently and, with one more step, gave way under him, and James plummeted into an endless void.