Around him, the campfire shimmered—and like rewinding a broken tape, everything returned. The pilots. The man. Even the ones he thought lost to the dark.
Aiden felt no joy. Only resolve.
"I won't drag them with me this time," he muttered.
He stood up, grabbing the fire axe without another word, and walked off alone.
The world outside was still wrapped in a sickening silence. Shadows stretched too far. The moon glared down like a watchful eye. Then…those eyes.
The same white, soulless pair from before. Floating inches above the ground. Watching.
This time, Aiden didn't flinch. His hands tightened around the axe. Though his face stayed calm, his body felt like breaking. Every step forward was a war against his own fear.
He raised the axe high — and swung with all the force he had, striking the creature's head.
A faint scratch.
The creature didn't react.
Suddenly, a sharp pain.He looked down to see a jagged limb impaled through his chest. His vision dimmed.
Then — darkness.
He gasped awake by the fire again. The girl stirred in her sleep. The man was gone.His phone dinged.
"Game #3: Mistakes"Potential ally lost.
Aiden stared at the screen. All he saw now was failure.And those eyes. Always watching.