"ARGH!"
Michael sat up with a scream escaping his lips, sweat pouring down his face. His breaths came out in ragged gasps, his eyes wide with fear—the crushing sensation still lingering in his body.
"W-what's wrong!?" a voice cried out, filled with concern.
Rudy shot out of bed, instantly alert. He swiftly appeared next to Michael, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Michael, what is it?"
Confusion crept onto Michael's face, his mind disoriented. The room was dark, but he could see Rudy's face looking at him with a mix of shock and concern.
The familiar face was comforting—but then it changed. Curved horns grew out of his head, sprouting like trees from the earth, painting a horrifying sight.
His face turned pitch black, blood-red eyes glowing malevolently beneath his brow.
Michael stifled a scream, rearing back from the sight as terror overtook him. All thoughts of resistance left him—replaced with the primal urge to flee in the face of a predator.
