The night air tore at their lungs as Elara and Corrine sprinted from the treeline, but it felt like they weren't moving fast enough.
The shadows stretched unnaturally long across the grass, pursuing them. But they weren't just mere shadows. They were demons.
"Elara—faster!" Corrine hissed, grabbing her wrist and pulling.
"I am running!" Elara's breath came ragged, her sweater snagging on a branch behind her. She yanked it free and continued running.
The cry came again. Low and piercing. It wasn't the owl. It came from the forest and it rattled through their bones.
Elara stumbled. "Oh God—"
Corrine didn't let her fall. She dragged her back onto her feet, her own fear flashing in her eyes as it seemed like they couldn't escape the demons. "Don't you dare stop running. Not now!"
