The Party I Will Never Forget.

I wasn't planning on going to the party to be honest I didn't even know the guy hosting it my roommate Jason was the one who talked me into it dude you're going to regret it if you don't come everyone who's anyone is going to be there he said practically bouncing on his heels as he waved the invitation in my face the invite itself was bizarre a plain black card with red Lettering nothing else except an address and the name Lucas Jason assured me Lucas was cool that he threw the wildest parties the location sealed it

for him an old mansion on the outskirts of town that looked like something straight out of a horror movie it'll be epic he said grinning like an idiot I wasn't convinced I'd had a long week and the thought of being packed into a Sweaty house full of drunk strangers sounded more exhausting than fun but Jason was relentless it's Halloween weekend you can't just sit here and do nothing plus there's supposed to be a haunted Vibe perfect for the season haunted huh I asked half interested yes yeah people say weird stuff happens there all the time

lights flickering shadows in the windows the whole creepy house package come on Matt Live a little against my better judgment I agreed the thought of a haunted mansion was too intriguing to pass up even if I hated parties fine I said grabbing my jacket but if it sucks we're leaving early Jason whooped and dragged me to his car before I could change my mind the drive out to the mansion felt like a journey to another world the city lights faded behind us replaced by winding roads and dense Clusters of trees that seemed to close in

the farther we went by the time we pulled up to the house I was starting to regret my decision the Mansion loomed before us its dark silhouette framed by skeletal branches that sway in the wind the windows were dark except for the occasional flash of light and the front porch sagged under the weight of neglect a group of partygoers about 30 in total was gathered near the door Their laughter and chatter cutting through the Eerie quiet of the night this is it Jason said practically vibrating with excitement as he parked the car ready not really

I muttered but Jason was already halfway to the door as we stepped onto the porch the boards groaned beneath our weight the door creaked open before we even touched It and the sound of pulsing music Spilled Out into the night inside the place was alive with chaos strobe lights flickered Illuminating faces that blurred together in the haze of alcohol and cigarette smoke the air was thick and hot hot carrying the unmistakable Tang of sweat and something faintly metallic Jason disappeared almost immediately shouting something about finding Drinks I stood near the door taking it all in

the mansion's age was apparent in every detail cracked plaster walls a sagging staircase and warped wooden floors that seemed to groan with every step but it was more than just old it felt wrong like the house itself didn't want us there I spotted a guy standing by the stairs dressed head to toe in black with A hood pulled low over his face he wasn't drinking or dancing he wasn't even moving he was just watching his stance was unnervingly still like he was trying to blend into the Shadows but failing miserably something about the way way

he stood shoulders tense and head slightly tilted felt deliberate like he was waiting for the perfect moment to strike my gut churned and for a fleeting second I was sure he was staring right At me though his face was obscured a shiver ran down my spine but I quickly looked away it's just a costume I told myself though I couldn't shake the feeling that his gaze lingered a little too long before I could dwell on it someone bumped into me spilling their drink on my shoes I muttered a curse and stepped further into the room

trying to find Jason the party was in full Swing but there was a strange undercurrent to the energy ATT tension I couldn't quite put my finger on people were laughing and dancing but every so often I caught someone glancing nervously toward the Shadows it didn't take long to find Jason he was at the makeshift bar in the kitchen surrounded by strangers and holding a neon green cup of some punch that smelled like Gasoline Matt finally here drink this he said thrusting the cup into my hand I'm good I said setting it on the counter this

place is weird that's the point Jason said laughing lighten up it's Halloween this is supposed to be fun fun wasn't the word I'd use the longer I stayed the more I felt like I was being watched not by the partygoers but by the house Itself every Creek of the floorboards every flicker of the lights felt like a warning but for now the light stayed on the party was starting to feel overwhelming the sheer number of people 30 maybe more crammed into the Mansion was making the air thick and stifling the music blared drowning out most

conversations but the occasional scream of laughter or broken glass pierced Through the noise I decided I needed to step outside and catch my breath the porch was a welcome change from the chaos inside the cool night air felt like a relief as I leaned against the railing trying to collect my thoughts the party wasn't exactly what I'd call fun and Jason was already off on some Adventure without me for a moment I wondered why I had even Come not your scene either the voice startled me I turned to see a girl girl standing a few

feet away her silhouette outlined by The Faint glow of the porch light she had long dark hair and wore a leather jacket over a sleek black dress she rested her hands on the porch railing fingers tapping lightly as though to fill the silence uh yeah I said straightening up just needed some Air she gave me a small smile and took a step closer me too these parties always feel like a bad idea halfway through I chuckled nervously I think it felt like a bad idea before I even got here she laughed a light genuine sound

that cut through the Eerie quiet of the night I'm Lily she said extending a hand Matt I replied shaking it her grip Was firm her hand cold we stood in silence for a moment the sounds of the party muted behind us Lily leaned against the railing beside me staring out at the dark expanse of the yard so she said finally what's your excuse for being here friend drag you along something like that I admitted my roommate Jason he's all about this kind of thing let me guess she said smirking he's the guy chugging something Neon

and yelling about how epic this party is I couldn't help but laugh yeah that sounds about right Lily's smile faded slightly as she looked back toward the house there's something off about this place don't you think I hesitated unsure if I wanted to admit how une easy I felt yeah I said finally it's like the house is watching or something she nodded her expression Serious I felt it too the second I walked in like the walls are alive I only came because my friends dragged me here but I'm starting to think they had the right

idea ditching me your friends left yeah they bailed like 20 minutes ago I probably should have gone with them but I didn't want to deal with their drunk Antics on the drive home Lucky them I muttered glancing back at the House Through the Windows I could see people dancing and laughing oblivious to the creeping sense of wrongness that had settled over me Lily followed my gaze I don't know sometimes ignorance really is bliss before I could respond the door creaked open and Jason stumbled onto the porch Matt there you are dude I've been looking everywhere

for you his voice was loud and slurred and he rre of whatever concoction he'd been Drinking Lily raised an eyebrow let me guess Jason that's me he said grinning like he won a prize who's this Lily she said Simply Her tone polite but distant well Lily you're just in time I was just telling Matt about how this place might be haunted Jason said throwing an arm around my shoulders then he gave us both a lopsided Grin wait a second did you two already couple up at the party damn Matt that's fast even for you I

groaned inwardly my face heating up Jason knock it off maybe we should come on he interrupted gesturing dramatically toward the house this is supposed to be the best party of the Year Lily hesitated then glanced back at the house her expression unreadable I'll Stick Around she said her voice quiet but firm Jason whooped as we stepped back into the house the noise and Heat hit me like a wave Jason was already darting toward the kitchen calling out for more drinks I glanced back at Lily who followed silently her eyes scanning the crowd for a moment

I thought she looked worried but before I could ask she gave me a small nod back inide side the party felt even Louder and more chaotic than before Jason had disappeared into the crowd undoubtedly swept up in whatever wild scheme he was concocting Lily and I lingered near the edges of the room watching the swirling chaos of people dancing shouting and spilling drinks despite my unease the atmosphere was infectious before I realized it I was laughing at some joke Lily had made about a guy in a gorilla suit D trying to Moonwalk I'll admit I

said between Chuckles this is starting to feel a little less like a bad idea Lily smirked see a little laughter never hurt anyone besides you have to admit this is great people watching she wasn't wrong the crowd was a mix of absurdity and hilarity from a guy trying to impress a group of girls by chugging an entire bottle of beer to a couple slow dancing dramatically to The fast-paced music for a brief moment I let myself relax maybe Jason was right maybe this party wasn't so bad but then I saw him again the man in

the black hoodie he was standing near the far corner of the room leaning against the wall with his arms crossed he hadn't moved since I first noticed him by the stairs earlier his hood was still pulled low Over his face and his body language was so still it almost felt unnatural like before it seemed like his attention was fixed on me Matt Lily's voice snapped me back to reality I realized I had stopped laughing and was staring past her sorry I said quickly trying to shake off the uneasy feeling thought I saw someone I knew

she glanced in the direction I had Been looking but didn't seem to notice anything unusual someone from work she asked clearly trying to keep the conversation light yeah something like that I lied but I couldn't shake the feeling every time I glanced back the man in the hoodie seemed to be there not doing anything not talking to anyone just watching maybe it was the Shadows or the Way his Stillness contrasted with the movement around him but something about him felt wrong I'm going to grab another drink Lily said snapping me out of my thoughts want

anything no I'm good I said forcing a smile she nodded and disappeared into the crowd alone now I felt the weight of the party pressing in again the laughter the Music the flashing lights it all felt off somehow like I was watching a Stage production and everyone else had rehearsed their parts I turned back to where the man in the hoodie had been but he was gone a tap on my shoulder made me jump it was J his face flushed and his grin as wide as ever dude you have to try this punch he shouted

over the music shoving a neon Green cup into my hands I'm good Jason I said pushing it back at him where have you been around he said gesturing vaguely this place is amazing you having fun yet I glanced toward the spot where the man had been then back at Jason yeah I lied again it's interesting Jason clapped me on the back that's the Spirit he was off again before I could say anything else Vanishing into the crowd like a magician's trick when Lily returned a few minutes later holding a glass of what looked like plain

water she gave me a curious look you okay you look like you've seen a ghost maybe I have I said half joking this place just gives me weird Vibes she nodded you're not the only one there's something about this House feels like it's alive doesn't it I didn't answer I was too busy scanning the room again searching for the man in the hoodie but he was nowhere to be seen he party was still in full swing and for a little while it seemed like things were settling into a strange Rhythm Jason was somewhere in the

throng probably challenging someone to a drinking contest and Lily and I were making small talk near the kitchen People were laughing the music was blaring and for a moment I let my guard down then the lights went out a collective gasp rippled through the crowd followed by cheers and laughter the sudden Darkness seemed to excite everyone as though it were some planned part of the evening phone screens lit up sporadically casting ghostly glows over grinning Faces spooky someone called out and a wave of playful shouts and whoops echoed in response Lily raised an eyebrow at

me a small smirk on her face guess there easily entertained she said apparently I muttered though my heart was pounding the darkness felt too absolute too sudden my unease about the house surged back in full force the laughter was Interrupted by a scream loud piercing and unmistakably terrifying the crowd froze the excited murmurs replaced by silence and the tension dissolved into laughter again I bet someone setting up a scare Lily said though her voice had lost some of its earlier confidence I nodded forcing a chuckle yeah probably two long minutes passed in the Dark the

silence broken only by the occasional nervous laugh or whispered conversation my mind raced trying to make sense of the situation I glanced around but the faint light of phone screens wasn't enough to illuminate much then the lights flickered back on at first everyone cheered clapping and whooping like they were part of some elaborate prank but the noise died almost Immediately as the crowd noticed the figure on the floor near the center of the living room a guy lay sprawled on his back his arms and legs Twisted unnaturally a dark red stain was spreading across his

chest pooling on the floor beneath him the room went silent Jason was one of the first to approach his drunken bravado faltering as he got Closer holy [ __ ] he whispered is that is that real Lily and I exchanged a glance then moved toward the growing circle of people around the body my stomach churned as I caught sight of the guy's face his eyes were wide open staring blankly at the ceiling his mouth was frozen in a half formed Scream It's a prank someone said though their voice was Trembling it has to be right

yeah another chimed in though they didn't sound convinced it's part of the theme but the longer we stared the harder it was to deny the truth the blood looked too real too thick and dark to be fake the smell hit me then coppery and nauseating someone gagged behind me and I had to fight the urge to do the same we need to call someone Lily said Her voice sharp and clear she pulled out her phone but her hand was shaking so badly she nearly dropped it Jason took a step back his face pale okay okay

he stammered Let's Not freak out maybe maybe we should figure out what happened first Jason what the hell is there to figure out I snapped someone's dead the crowd around us was starting to buzz With panic people whispered frantically their voices overlapping in a chaotic hum did anyone see what happened who is he wasn't he just dancing like 5 minutes ago I looked around half expecting to see the man in the hoodie but he was nowhere to be found the realization hit all at once the guy on the floor wasn't moving he wasn't breathing he

wasn't part of some elaborate Halloween Prank Panic rippled through the crowd as people began pulling out their phones I'm calling the police someone shouted others echoed the sentiment but as they tapped at their screens the confusion turned to frustration there's no signal a girl near the front of the group yelled holding her phone up high like it might catch something if it just reached a little further a wave of murmured disbelief spread through the Room as more people checked their phones nothing Jason asked pulling his own phone out he stared at the screen his face

pale how is there no service out here we're not that far from town Lily shook her head her lips pressed into a thin line this doesn't make sense I had service earlier the murmurs were quickly turning into panicked shouting as people moved Toward the doors the first group reached the main entrance and tried to open it but the knob wouldn't budge someone else shoved past them and rattled the handle furiously it's locked they shouted who locked the door maybe it's just jammed Jason said pushing his way forward he threw his weight against the door but

it didn't Move a few others joined in slamming their shoulders against it but the heavy wood didn't give try the back door someone else suggested a small group broke off rushing toward the kitchen Lily and I followed weaving through the chaotic crowd when we got there it was the same story the door was locked and no amount of pulling twisting or shoving made a difference Panic was setting in Now people were running from one door to another shouting over each other and banging on the walls I saw someone trying to pry open a window with

a kitchen knife but it didn't work the windows weren't just locked they were reinforced with bars and the glass itself seemed unbreakable no matter how hard they Struck it it didn't even crack this can't be happening Jason Muttered his voice shaky this this is some kind of joke right it's not a joke Lil said firmly someone planned this someone doesn't want us to leave her words sent a chill down my spine she was right the doors hadn't been locked earlier the bars on the windows the sudden lack of self-service it was all too deliberate the

crowd was starting to Lose it a guy near the back punched the wall in frustration leaving a dent in the plaster a girl sat on the floor hugging her knees and sobbing others pce the room their faces pale and their eyes darting toward every shadow we need to stay calm Lily said her voice cutting through the noise panicking isn't going to help let's think this Through think what through Jason snapped we're trapped in a freaking house with no way out and someone's already dead exactly Lily said her tone Sharp which means whoever did this is

probably still here do you really want to make it easier for them by freaking out Jason opened his mouth to argue but he couldn't seem to find the words he ran a hand through his hair his jaw clenching as he stared at the locked door okay Lily said taking a deep Breath let's focus on what we can do if we can't get out we need to figure out who's doing this and why I nodded though my mind was racing the man in the hoodie flashed in my thoughts again he hadn't been among the panicked crowd

where was he was he watching us waiting guys I said my voice trembling what if what if they're still in the house Everyone turned to look at me their faces a mix of fear and disbelief Jason swallowed hard glancing toward the darkened hallway well Lily said quietly then we'd better figure it out fast the room was thick with tension the panicked Whispers growing louder as people tried to make sense of what was happening a few were pacing others were huddled in small groups but no one had any Answers Lily Jason and I stood near the

middle of the room keeping an eye on the crowd we need to talk about the obvious Lily said Crossing her arms if the doors are locked the windows are unbreakable and there's no signal someone made it that way this isn't random someone planned it Jason nodded reluctantly yeah but who it could be anyone there's 30 people here I don't even know half of Them exactly Lily said it could be anyone in this room her words hung in the air like a heavy weight the idea that one of us might be the killer was almost too

much to process my mind flashed back to the man in the hoodie he wasn't in the crowd I hadn't seen him before the lights went out there was this guy I said my voice Hesitant in a black hoodie he was standing by the stairs earlier he wasn't talking to anyone just standing there watching Lily turned to me sharply did you see him after the lights came back on I shook my head no I've been looking but he's gone on doesn't that seem suspicious Jason frowned his eyes scanning the room you think he did This that

he's the killer I don't know I admitted but he's not here now and that makes him stand out what if he's hiding Lily said glancing toward the darkened hallway if he's not in this room he could be somewhere else in the house the house Jason's expression darkened or what if it's not him what if it's one of us trying to make us look the other way the thought made my stomach Churn I looked around the room studying the faces of the partygoers some were crying some were shouting and some were just staring blankly any one

of them could be pretending any one of them could be the killer this is insane Jason muttered running a hand through his hair how do we even figure out who it is start pointing fingers that's just going to make everyone turn on each other Lily's Gaze was steady her voice calm but firm we need to stay rational if we start accusing people without proof this is going to get worse we need to keep an eye on everyone and look for anything suspicious like what I asked everyone's acting suspicious we're trapped in a house with no

way out and someone's dead then we narrow it down Lily said stick together watch who goes where and Who does what if someone disappears we notice if someone acts out of place we confront them her plan made sense but it didn't make me feel any better the killer could be watching us right now blending into the crowd waiting for the next opportunity to strike and if it wasn't the man in the hoodie it could be someone standing just a few feet away the tension in the room was Unbearable Whispers turned into hushed arguments and and

every shadow seemed to hold a threat people were huddled in groups keeping close to their friends while Jason Lily and I stayed near the center watching everything and everyone then the lights went out again this time there were no cheers no one thought it was a prank anymore the darkness descended like a thick blanket swallowing the room whole My breath caught in my throat as I instinctively reached for Jason and Lily stay close Lily whispered her voice barely audible over the sudden silence we stood there Frozen straining to hear anything a creek a shuffle a

whisper but there was nothing no screams no movement just an oppressive suffocating quiet my mind raced the second stretching into what felt like hours where was the killer were they moving through the Darkness right now were we next and then just as suddenly as they had gone out the lights flickered back on the room was eerily still for a moment as if no one dared to move then the gasps began people were looking around their eyes w with horror and I followed their gaze four bodies lay sprawled across the room each in a different spot

a girl slumped over on the couch her head tilted at an unnatural angle a Guy near the kitchen was crumpled on the floor his face Twisted in pain two others were by the windows their bodies eerily still as though they'd simply stopped moving Jason took a step back his face pale oh my God oh my God Lily's jaw tightened but her hands trembled as she grabbed my arm Matt she said her voice sharp and quiet this isn't random they're picking us Off the crowd erupted into chaos some people screamed others bolted toward the doors again

banging and shouting in desperation a guy near the center of the room dropped to his knees muttering incoherently while a girl began sobbing uncontrollably clutching at her friend's arm why didn't anyone scream I asked my voice shaking Jason shook his head his eyes darting around the room Maybe maybe it was too fast maybe they didn't have time ly scanned the room her expression calculating despite the fear in her eyes whoever did this is smart they're using the darkness and they're staying quiet they want us scared they're doing a hell of a job Jason muttered running

a hand through his hair then I saw him the man in the hoodie now at the Edge of the crowd he had pulled his hood down revealing a pale drawn face his eyes were wide with what looked like genuine shock as he stared at the bodies on the floor for a moment our eyes met and I couldn't tell if he was scared confused or something else entirely we need to stay together Lily said firmly her voice cutting through the panic if we split up we're giving them exactly what they Want people weren't listening the crowd

was fracturing groups of friends pulling away toward different corners of the house I wanted to shout at them tell them to stop but my throat felt dry and useless Lily's right I said finally forcing the words out we can't split up we need to to figure out what to do next but the truth was I didn't know what to do the killer was in here with Us somewhere in the house and every time the lights went out they were going to strike again the room was descending into chaos the bodies of the four victims were

still lying where they'd Fallen but no one dared to move them people were shouting over one another their voices filled with anger fear and Desperation we need to get out of here someone yelled their voice cracking break the damn doors down if we have to Are you kidding another snapped we've tried that nothing works we're trapped Lily stayed close to me her hand gripping my wrist like a Lifeline Jason was pacing nearby his face pale and drawn as he muttered to himself I could feel the Panic rising in the room like a living thing infecting

everyone it touched the man in the hoodie was still standing at the edge of the crowd his wide eyes Darting between the bodies and the people around him he looked almost as terrified as everyone else but I couldn't shake the suspicion clinging to him what's he doing over there I muttered to Lily nodding toward the man she followed my gaze and frowned I don't know but we need to keep an eye on him before I could respond a loud bang echoed through the Room everyone froze their head snapping toward the sound it had come from

upstairs a single sharp noise that sent chills racing down my spine what the hell was that Jason whispered stepping closer to us I don't know Lily said her voice steady despite the tension in her expression but I don't think we should find out the crowd was paralyzed people staring at the ceiling as if expecting Something to burst through at any moment the oppressive silence stretched on broken only by The Faint sound of someone sobbing near the back of the room okay Lily said finally taking a deep breath we need to think if we can't get

out and we can't call for help we have to focus on staying alive live Jason nodded reluctantly yeah but How every time the lights go out someone dies we can't stop that unless we figure out who's doing it then we watch everyone Lily said firmly nobody goes anywhere alone nobody leaves this room unless it's with the group and we need to keep track of everyone a few people nearby were listening not in along with her words others were too consumed by their Panic to pay attention but Lily's calm demeanor was enough to steady some of

The crowd what about him I asked jerking my head toward the man in the hoodie he hadn't moved still lingering at the edge of the group with that same haunted expression Lily hesitated her eyes narrowing as she studied him we keep him in sight if he tries anything we stop him Jason glanced between the two of us then at the rest of the Room and if it's not him then we keep looking Lily said her grip on my wrist tightened slightly but whatever happens we stick together no more splitting up the sound of another loud

bang upstairs made everyone jump this time it was followed by a faint dragging noise like something heavy being pulled across the floor I swallowed hard my throat dry I don't think it's just one Person Lily didn't answer but the look in her eyes told me she was thinking the same thing whatever was happening it wasn't over not by a long shot the fragile calm that Lily had managed to impose didn't last long it started with a single voice Rising above the others cutting through the tense murmurs Like a Knife this is [ __ ] one

of us is doing this a guy near the front of the Room tall and Broad shouldered pointed accusingly at the crowd his face was flushed with fear and anger his voice trembling but loud there's no way we're all just sitting ducks here unless someone planned it someone here knows exactly what's going on you don't know that a girl shot back her voice cracking she clutched the arm of the friend next to her her eyes wide with Panic what if it's someone outside what if they're locking Us in then how the hell are they getting in

to kill people the guy snapped his tone dripping with sarcasm use your brain Ashley don't talk to her like that someone else yelled the room erupted into a cacophony of shouting accusations flying back and forth as fear and paranoia took hold Jason moved closer to me and Lily his hands Shaking this is getting bad he muttered we need to do something what do you suggest I asked my voice low they're already losing it if we try to step in they'll just turn on us Lily however wasn't one to back down she stepped forward her voice

cutting through the noise hey fighting each other isn't going to solve Anything the crowd quieted slightly but the tension didn't dissipate all eyes were on Lily now some filled with anger others with desperation then what do we do the tall guy demanded Crossing his arms just sit here and wait for the next blackout wait for more of us to die we stick together Lily said firmly no one goes anywhere alone no one does anything without the group knowing if we all keep watch we can stop This stop what Ashley said her voice shaking we don't

even know who's doing it for all we know it could be you Lily didn't Flinch if it were me do you think I'd be trying to keep everyone calm the killer wants us panicking splitting up losing focus that's how they're doing this Ashley shrank back but the tall guy wasn't so easily Convinced and what about him the tall guy spat jabbing a finger toward the man in the hoodie look at him skullking around the edges like some goddamn creep what you think we don't notice you you've been acting sketchy all night first you disappeared during

the blackout and now you're just standing there like some guilty little kid admit it you're the one doing this aren't you the man in the hoodie looked up his face Pale and drawn his lips parted as if to speak but the tall guy cut him off before he could say anything save it you've got that deer in the headlights look now but we all know better you're hiding something why the hell should we believe anything you say the man finally managed to reply his voice trembling but steady I don't know what's happening any More than

you do I'm just trying to survive same as everyone else else convenient the tall guy sneered you disappear during the first blackout and now you're playing the victim stop Lily snapped her voice sharp pointing fingers isn't going to help if you want to survive we need to work together the room fell into a tense silence the tall guy glared at Lily then turned back to the man in the hoodie With a sneer we're all watching you don't think for a second you're getting away with whatever sick game you're playing the man in the hoodie dropped

his gaze his shoulders slumping as if the weight of the suspicion was too much Jason leaned in close to me his voice barely above a whisper what if he's right what if it is the hoodie guy I didn't answer my eyes were locked on the man Trying to read him trying to make sense of the gnawing unease that wouldn't let go the argument had drained the room of what little composure was left people had retreated into tense quiet clusters their eyes darting nervously toward every shadow the man in the hoodie remained near the edge of

the group his head down but I couldn't stop glancing at him the tall guy's words still echoed in my head even if I was wasn't sure he was Right then without warning the lights went out again this time there were no gasps no screams of surprise the room fell into a heavy suffocating silence my heartbeat thundered in my ears as I instinctively reached for Jason and Lily around us I could hear faint shuffling the nervous shifting of people in the Dark in the suffocating Silence of the dark someone's trembling voice broke through the tension guys

use your phone flashlights they said their voice shaky but clear for a moment there was a stunned pause the suggestion was so simple so obvious that it almost felt absurd no one had thought of it why didn't I think of that someone muttered followed by the sound of pockets being rifled through and buttons being Pressed One By One The murmurs turned into confusion it's not working someone said their voice tinged with panic my screen's completely dead mine too another said shaking their phone as if that would help it's not turning on desperation spread through the

group as they all tried and failed to turn on their devices the ear e quiet was interrupted only by their frustrated Whispers what's wrong with them someone asked their voice trembling and then the chilling realization dawned the phones don't work in the dark someone whispered their words sending a fresh wave of dread through the group whatever was happening wasn't just unnatural it was deliberate stay close Lily whispered her grip tightening on my arm we stood there Frozen as the second Stretched into minutes the darkness felt alive wrapping around us like a predator stalking its prey

I couldn't shake the feeling that someone or something was moving through the crowd unseen and Unstoppable 30 agonizing minutes passed I didn't know how I kept track of the time time but it felt like an eternity then with a flicker the lights came back on the scene was worse than anything I Could have imagined 15 people were dead combined with the earlier deaths 20 people had been killed so far leaving only 10 of us still alive their bodies were scattered across the room slumped in chairs lying on the floor floor or crumpled against the walls

some looked peaceful like they had simply fallen asleep others were twisted and bloodied their faces Frozen in expressions of Horror but the worst was the tall guy he was sprawled in the center of the room his limbs bent at unnatural angles blood pulled beneath him soaking into the wooden floor his mouth hung open his tongue missing leaving a gaping void where it should have been deep gashes ran across his chest as if someone had carved into him with deliberate brutal force a collective gasp rippled through the Survivors someone screamed and a girl near the back

of the room dropped to her knees sobbing uncontrollably Jason turned away gagging while Lily's face hardened into a mask of grim determination whoever's doing this isn't just killing she said her voice low and steady they're sending a message a message Jason choked out his eyes darting toward the tall guy's mutilated Body what kind of message is that Fear Lily replied they want us terrified they want us broken I swallowed hard my eyes scan standing the room the man in the hoodie was still there his face pale and His Hands trembling he looked at the tall

guy's body then back at me shaking his head slowly as if to say it wasn't me 20 people I whispered the weight of the number Crushing me how is this even possible how could someone kill so many of us in the dark without making a sound Lily didn't answer her eyes were scanning the room sharp and calculating as if trying to piece together The Impossible puzzle around us the remaining survivors were descending into Panic again their voices rising in fear and anger we're going to die here someone Shouted this isn't real this can't be real

another cried I turned to Lily my voice shaking what do we do now she looked at me her expression Resolute we survive whatever it takes we survive the room felt impossibly large and small at the same time 10 of us were left scattered in uneven clusters around the bodies the smell of blood hung heavy in the air making it hard to Breathe every Creek of the floor every faint Whisper of movement set nerves on edge Jason paced nervously his hands running through his hair over and over like he was trying to keep from unraveling lily

as always stood steady her eyes flicking between the survivors as though she could identify the Killer by sheer force of will we need a plan she said firmly her voice cut through the murmur of panicked conversation like a Blade sitting here waiting for the next blackout is suicide and what exactly do you suggest snapped a girl from across the room she was trembling her face streak with tears every door is locked the windows are unbreakable there's no way out we don't just sit around Lily shot back we control the situation we stay together we watch

each other and we make sure no one is unaccounted for that's easy for you to say a guy near The kitchen counter muttered how do we know it's not you or your little group he gestured at Jason and me his eyes wild for all we know you're just biting your time until the next blackout enough I said stepping forward before Lily could respond we're all terrified we're all trying to survive pointing fingers isn't going to save Anyone the man glared at me but didn't argue Jason stopped pacing and joined us standing just slightly behind Lily

like he trusted her to handle things okay Lily continued her voice steady if we can't get out we need to figure out who's doing this process of elimination who's missing Who's acting suspicious her eyes flicked to the man in the hoodie and the rest of the room followed he was sitting near the edge of The group his head in his hands his hoodie was still off revealing a gaunt face and Hollow eyes he looked up slowly realizing he was the focus of their attention I didn't do this he said his voice cracking I swear to

God I didn't you think I'd kill 20 people and just sit here like this I'm just trying to stay alive like all of you and what were you doing during the blackouts someone demanded every single time people die And you're always the one who looks the most calm afterward calm the man in the hoodie laughed bitterly do I look calm to you he gestured at his shaking hands and pale face I don't even know how I ended up at this this party I barely know anyone here if I wanted you all dead why wouldn't I

have run when the first person Died his words gave some of them pause but not everyone the room buzzed with mistrust the tension building like a pressure cooker what about the rest of us I said raising my voice Above The Fray we've all been here the whole time any one of us could be lying the only thing we know for sure is that the Killer is still in this room that shut them up the silence was deafening broken only By The Faint hum of the light bulbs overhead Lily stepped forward we don't have time to

argue the killer wants us scared and divided and we're playing right into their hands if we don't stick together we're all dead her words seemed to sink in but the unease remained no one trusted anyone and I couldn't blame them I didn't even trust myself to stay calm in the face of everything Jason spoke up his voice Unusually steady so what do we do now just wait for it to happen again Lily hesitated and for the first time I saw a flick fer of doubt in her eyes no she said finally we find out who's

doing this and we stop them whatever it takes the silence stretched unbearably thin the remaining 10 of us looking to Lily for the next Step before she could speak the lights went out again this time the darkness felt heavier more suffocating no one screamed or gasped it was as if we had all silently accepted what was coming stay close Lily hissed her voice barely audible I felt her grip tighten on my arm and Jason's hand clamped onto my shoulder around us the faint Shuffle of Feet and nervous breaths punctuated the oppressive quiet the minutes dragged

on like hours my heart pounded in my chest and and every muscle in my body was tense waiting for the inevitable I strained to hear anything but the darkness was so absolute that even my thoughts felt muted when the lights came back on the room felt smaller Quieter emptier five bodies lay scattered across the room a girl slumped against the wall her head Ling at an unnatural angle a guy was sprawled face down near the couch his hand outstretched as if reaching for something another lay Twisted at the base of the stairs his neck bent

in a way that made my stomach turn two others were crumpled near the kitchen their faces Frozen in silent Terror Jason cursed loudly stumbling back as he took in the Carnage five five of them Jesus I whispered my knees threatening to buckle Lily's grip on my arm was the only thing keeping me upright wait Lily said sharply her eyes scanning the room that girl she's she's still breathing I followed her gaze to one of the bodies near the kitchen a girl Barely clinging to life her chest rising and falling in shallow uneven gasps blood trickled

from a deep wound in her side pooling beneath her her eyes fluttered weakly as we rushed to her get something to stop the bleeding Lily barked Jason tore off his shirt without hesitation pressing it against the girl's wound in a desperate attempt to staunch the flow of blood her lips moved but no sound came Out at first shh Lily said softly kneeling beside her don't try to talk save your strength the girl's eyes rolled toward Lily then toward me her lips moved again forming a single word barely audible over the pounding in my ears black

her voice was so faint I wasn't sure I'd heard her correctly what I asked leaning Clos Closer what did you say her lips parted again but no sound came out her body went still her shallow breath ceasing as her head led to the side Jason's hands were slick with blood as he pulled back staring at the lifeless body in front of him what the hell does that mean black what's black Lily stood her jaw set and her eyes burning with Determination it's a clue she said it has to be a clue Jason snapped what the

hell are we supposed to do with that half of us are dead and the only thing we get is one word this is insane I swallowed hard my mind racing black the lights the Killer something else entirely I didn't have an answer but I knew one thing for sure we were running out of time Lily turned to the rest of the Survivors her voice firm despite the terror etched on her face we have to figure this out whatever black means it's the only thing we have and it might be the only thing that saves us

the tension in the room was electric every Survivor clinging to their last fraying ner nerves Jason however seemed to be unraveling faster than anyone else his pacing had turned frantic his muttering more aggressive his fists clenched and Unclenched as if he were ready to punch his way through the nightmare black he said aloud his voice sharp and angry it's him it's the guy in the hoodie it's been him this whole time the man in the hoodie looked up from where he was sitting on the floor his face was pale his eyes Hollow with exhaustion I

told you it's not me he Said his voice trembling I don't know what's happening any more than you do [ __ ] Jason exploded he stalked toward the man his fists clenched at his sides every single blackout people die and you're the common denominator you're always just there looking guilty as hell and now black how much more obvious can it get the man scrambled to his feet his Hands raised defensively you're scared I get it but I'm not the killer I'm just trying to survive like everyone else shut up Jason roared shoving him hard the

man stumbled back colliding with the wall Jason didn't stop he grabbed the man by the front of his shirt and threw a punch the sound of the impact echoing in the room Jason stop Lily shouted rushing forward but Jason was already swinging Again his fist connected with the man's jaw sending him to the floor the man curled into a ball his arms wrapped tightly around his head please he begged his voice muffled I'm not the one doing this Jason loomed over him his chest heaving then who is huh who else could it be you've been

hiding in plain sight letting us die one by one Lily grabbed Jason's arm pulling him back that's enough she snapped beating Him to death isn't going to solve anything Jason wrenched his arm free but he didn't strike again he stood there glaring down at the man on the floor his fists trembling with barely contained rage look at him Lily said her voice sharp does he look like someone in control he's scared Jason just like the rest of us Jason let out a bitter laugh wiping The sweat from his forehead you really think it's not him

you really think some Invisible Killer is picking us off one by one grow up Lily someone here is doing this and he's the obvious choice I stepped between them putting a hand on Jason's chest to keep him from lunging again we don't know anything I said firmly what if you're wrong what if you just attacked someone who's innocent Jason glared at me his nostrils Flaring but he didn't respond instead he turned and stormed toward the other side of the room his shoulders tense with frustration the man in the hoodie slowly sat up his face bruised

and his lip bleeding he looked at me and Lily his eyes glassy with tears thank you he whispered I swear I didn't do this Lily crouched beside him her expression softening just stay here she said Quietly don't move don't give anyone else a reason to suspect you he nodded weakly wiping the blood from his mouth with a shaking hand I glanced over at Jason who was pacing again muttering under his breath Lily caught my eye and gave me a slight shake of her head we can't afford to fall apart now she said Softly we're running

out of time I didn't Respond all I could think about was how close Jason had come to losing control completely and how the next time the lights went out we might not be able to stop him the room was silent except for the faint sound of Jason's pacing Lily leaned against the wall arms crossed her sharp eyes scanning what was left of us the man man in the hoodie stayed where he was sitting on the floor with His knees pulled up his head in his hands everyone else was huddled in tense quiet groups afraid to

even look at each other Jason broke the silence his voice bitter and loud you know what I don't get where the hell is Lucas he invited all of us to this stupid party and now he's just conveniently missing the words hit hit like a lightning bolt we all exchanged glances the Realization Dawning on us like a dark cloud settling over the room Lucas I said slowly the name tasting strange in my mouth you're right where is he he's the host he should be here I haven't seen him all night Lily said frowning not once has

anyone the remaining survivors murmured among themselves shaking their heads no one could recall seeing Lucas since arriving at the Mansion Jason stopped pacing and turned to us his hands on his hips what if this whole thing is his doing he invites us all out here locks Us in and starts killing us off one by one makes sense doesn't it that's a big assumption Lily said her tone skeptical just because he's not here doesn't mean he's the killer then where the hell is he Jason snapped he's the one who owns this house Right the one who

sent the invites either he's behind this or he's dead somewhere like the rest of them that's assuming he even exists the man in the hoodie said quietly his voice trembling he looked up his bruised face shadowed by the dim light light has anyone here actually met him or are we all just here because of some stupid invitation the question hung in the air heavy and Suffocating I thought back to the Black Card Jason had waved in my face plain minimalist just an address and a name Lucas I hadn't questioned it at the time but now

it felt all wrong I never met him I admitted my voice barely above a whisper Jason you said Lucas throws these parties all the time how do you know him Jason hesitated rubbing the back of his Neck Lucas and I have known each other for years he's he's not the type to do something like this we've been to plenty of his parties before and they've never been anything but over-the toop fun but this this isn't him this doesn't make sense you mean to tell me Lily said her tone ice cold that we're all here because

of an invite and the one person who should be explaining everything is Nowhere to be found the room fell into a stunned silence the tension was palpable every glance filled with suspicion and fear what if Lucas is behind all of this I said the words tumbling out before I could stop them he invited us he has to be the one pulling the strings or Jason said Darkly what if he's watching us right now setting all of this up to see how we React a shiver ran down my spine the idea of someone observing Us hidden

in the shadows sent my mind racing Lily pushed off the wall her jaw tight we need to find him we need answers if Lucas is behind this we need to find him if he's not then we're back to square one Jason crossed his arms great let's just go looking for a ghost While the real killer picks us off in the dark it's better than S sitting here waiting to die Lily snapped the room went quiet again everyone lost in their thoughts the name Lucas lingered in the air but it wasn't a mystery who he was

everyone here knew him at least vaguely a figure at the center of so many whispered stories about his wild parties but his absence tonight cast a Darker Shadow the suggestion to move upstairs came not from consensus but from the unbearable reality of remaining surrounded by The Dead We can't stay here Lily said her voice tight let's let's go upstairs at least we'll have space to think reluctantly the group moved sticking close together as they climbed The creaking stairs the hallway upstairs was quieter than the chaos below but the eerie sign silence was oppressive they opened

doors to dark rooms finding nothing but empty beds and Furniture cloaked in Shadows then they found the bathroom Jason pushed the door open cautiously and the moment his eyes landed on the body he froze no no no no he stammered stumbling Back as if the sight physically struck him that's Lucas that's oh my God the room was a nightmare Lucas's body was slumped in the bathtub barely recognizable his chest was a mess of deep Jagged cuts and one of his legs was missing entirely the severed leg hung grotesquely from the window its Barefoot swinging slightly

as if it had been placed there to mock them someone screamed behind me one of the girls who Had come with us and I felt my stomach twist the smell of blood and Decay was overwhelming and for a moment I thought I might pass out Lily was the first to break the paralysis we need to leave now no one argued no one could even speak terrified not even able to think we turned and bolted back downstairs tripping over each other in our desperation to escape the grizzly Scene the safety we'd hoped to find upstairs was

a lie and the house felt more alive more malicious than ever before the air downstairs felt heavier suffocating as if the house itself was closing in around us Jason was pacing again muttering to himself while Lily tried to keep everyone calm the man in the hoodie sat silently in the corner avoiding everyone's eyes the others clustered together in Tight groups there Expressions blank with shock and fear then the lights went out this time I didn't even try to stay calm the darkness enveloped us like a predator and I heard Jason's voice cut through the quiet

stay together don't move but his words were swallowed by the silence my heartbeat pounded in my ears drowning out everything else I felt someone grab my arm but I jerked worked Away unsure who it was the Panic clawed at my chest making it hard to breathe when the lights came back on the room was different emptier my eyes darted around and my stomach dropped Jason's body lay sprawled on the floor near the kitchen his face Frozen in an expression of shock blood pulled beneath him seeping into the wooden boards another girl the one who had

screamed up stairs was slumped against The wall her throat slit cleanly her lifeless eyes stared at nothing and the Crimson streak on her chest was already drying no no no I whispered stumbling back my breath came in Shallow gasps as the walls seemed to close in Jason was gone Jason my friend the one who had dragged me to this hellish party was dead the real ation hit me like a freight train and I doubled over clutching my Chest Matt breathe Lily said her voice sharp but trembling she reached for me but I recoiled stumbling further

back don't touch me I shouted my voice cracking my eyes darted between Lily and the Man in the hoodie stay back stay away from me it could be either of you Lily's expression hardened but I could see the hurt flicker in her eyes Matt you know it's not me she said carefully keeping her hands visible you've known me all night you know I Wouldn't I don't know anything I yelled cutting her off I don't know who to trust Jason is dead and the Killer is still here the man in the hoodie flinched at my words

his shoulders hunching as if he could make himself smaller I didn't do this he said quietly his voice shaking I swear to God I didn't shut up I snapped pointing a trembling finger at him you've been Suspicious since the beginning always lurking always in the shadows Matt stop Lily shouted she stepped between me and the man her voice firm you're panicking that's what the killer wants they want us to turn on each other how do I know it's not you I spat my chest heaving how do I know you're not just trying to Deflect because

I've been trying to Keep Us Alive Lily shot back her voice cracking I've been the only one thinking clearly and you know it you're scared and you're letting it it control you her words stung because they were true my breathing was ragged and my head spun as I tried to focus I looked around at the remaining survivors their faces etched with fear and distrust no one said anything no one dared Move finally I sank to the floor my back against the wall I buried my face in my hands trying to Steady My Brea breathing Lily

didn't move closer but she didn't back away either she just stood there watching me waiting for the storm to pass the silence was deafening broken only by The Faint hum of the overhead lights somewhere in the distance a clock ticked each second dragging us closer to The next blackout the room fell into a suffocating Stillness no one moved no one spoke the weight of everything that had happened pressed down on us crushing whatever willpower we had left the dim flickering lights overhead seemed dimmer than before casting Long Shadows across the bloodstained floor I sat with

my back against the Wall my knees pulled up to my chest my breathing had slowed but the ache in my chest hadn't gone away across the room Lily stood near the corner her arms crossed tightly over her chest her sharp calculating eyes scanned the room but for once she didn't say a word the man in the hoodie remained where he was slumped against the far wall his head was tilted back his eyes staring blankly at the Ceiling he looked as though he wanted to disappear to dissolve into the Shadows and escaped the unbearable silence the

others what few of us remained were scattered around the room some sat on the floor some leaned against the furniture but no one dared to go near the bodies Jason the girl the others their lifeless forms were constant horrifying reminders of what Was waiting for us time crawled each second felt like an eternity stretching into an unbearable void somewhere in the distance the faint ticking of a clock marked the passage of time a cruel metronome counting down to the inevitable I tried to focus on anything else the pattern of the wood grain on the floor

the faint hum of the lights but my mind kept circling back to the Same terrible thought one of us was the k killer I glanced at Lily at the man in the hoodie at the others suspicion gwed at my mind its claws sinking deeper with each passing moment every glance every breath every movement felt like a Potential Threat I wanted to scream to demand answers but I couldn't find my voice half an hour passed no one said a Word the silence was oppressive broken only by the occasional Creek of the old house and the faint

hum of the lights every sound made me Flinch my nerves frayed to the breaking point Lily finally moved shifting her weight slightly her eyes flicked to me then to the others she didn't speak but her expression was clear stay alert Stay Ready the clock ticked G dragging us closer and closer to the next blackout the lights flickered out again Plunging the room into suffocating darkness my breath hitched my heart pounding so loudly I thought everyone could hear it the silence was absolute broken only by The Faint hum of The house's electrical system no one moved

no one spoke I stayed where I was pressed against the wall straining to hear something Anything my mind raced looping over everything that had happened one of us was the killer that much was certain and in this moment in the oppressive Silence of the blackout I was ready to find out who 10 minutes passed they felt like hours my heartbeat grew louder each thud reverberating through my chest like a drum beat of fear every nerve in my body screamed at Me to act to speak to move but I couldn't my body was frozen in place

trapped by the overwhelming weight of dread then the lights came back on my eyes adjusted slowly taking in the room my stomach dropped Lily was slumped against the wall her body limp and lifeless a deep Crimson Stain spreading across her chest her once sharp eyes were now dull staring blankly at the floor no I whispered my voice barely Audible my hands trembled as I clutched at the wall for support Lily was dead Lily the one who had tried to keep us together who had tried to Keep Us Alive I looked up and that's when I

saw him the man in the hoodie stood across the room his face illuminated by the dim overhead light his eyes were locked on mine unblinking and intense he wasn't trying to hide anymore he wasn't Pretending we stared at each other saying nothing the air between us was thick with unspoken accusations with the raw electric tension of a predator and prey locked in a final moment of standoff my hands clenched into fists as anger surged through me hotter than my fear it had been him all along the signs were there plain as day and I'd ignored

them I'd convinced myself it couldn't be Him that he was just another terrified victim I should have listened to Jason Jason had seen it from the start but I hadn't wanted to believe it now Jason was dead Lily was dead and it was my fault my breath came in ragged gasps as I took a step forward he didn't move he just stood there watching me with those cold unreadable eyes his hands hung Loosely at his sides but there was something in his Posture something ready something dangerous you I said my voice shaking with rage it

was you it was always you still he said nothing his silence was deafening an acknowledgement and a taunt all at once my mind raced every moment of the night replaying in sharp painful detail every time I'd seen him lurking in the Shadows every time he'd claimed innocence every time I'd chosen to trust him I should have known I should have listened but now it was too late the lights went out again this time the darkness felt alive thick and suffocating pressing against my skin like a heavy shroud the silence that followed wasn't like before it

wasn't empty it was charged with something Primal something Terrifying then came the footsteps loud thunderous each step shook the floorboards the vibrations climbing up my legs and settling in my chest whoever was moving wasn't trying to hide the footsteps were heavy purposeful filled with an uncontrollable energy that sent my heart into overdrive and then the breathing it started low like the growl of an animal but grew louder and more Erratic harsh wet and ragged it filled the room with a sound so unnatural it made my skin crawl it wasn't the breathing of someone scared or

even angry it was excitement a twisted almost gleeful anticipation my entire body shook my back pressed against the wall as I stepped sideways my arms outstretched fumbling blindly in the Darkness my hands clawed at the air desperate to feel something and anything to know when the killer would strike my breaths came in short gasps every inch of me vibrating with the certainty that this was it my time was up the breathing grew closer the footsteps louder my legs felt like jelly but I couldn't move all I could do was wait trembling as the sound bore

down on me then without warning the lights came back on I blinked momentarily blinded and my Eyes darted around the room my heart seized in my chest when I saw him the man in the hoodie was sprawled on the floor his eyes wide open and filled with pure Terror blood pulled beneath his head staining the floorboards his hands were clawing at nothing Frozen in a desperate attempt to defend himself from something No I whispered stepping back my head spun and my hands cled clenched into fists no no no I stared at his lifeless body my

mind racing to make sense of what I was seeing he was dead the man I had been so sure was the killer was lying there unmistakably lifeless the terror etched into his face was unlike anything I'd ever seen as if he'd stared into the abyss and it had stared back my knees buckled and I sank to the floor my hands Gripping the sides of my head how was this possible who had killed him and more terrifyingly what had he seen the silence was deafening the house once filled with the hum of life now felt like

a tomb my mind screamed at me to run to do something but I couldn't move I could only sit there staring at the body in front of me as the realization d W I was wrong I had been so sure it was him so convinced by his silence and his lurking presence Jason had suspected him too and I had let that confirmation blind me but now now he was dead and I was alone it's not over I whispered to myself my voice shaking It's Not Over the house was quiet again but the heavy breathing the

Monstrous footsteps still echoed in my ears whoever or whatever Was in the house wasn't done and I was next the realization hit me like a jolt of electricity there was an open window upstairs the same one where Lucas's leg had been grotesquely hung my chest tightened as I remembered the scene but the thought of staying here waiting for the next blackout was far worse without giving myself time to overthink I sprinted upstairs taking the Creaking steps two at a time the hallway felt endless the dim light casting Eerie Shadows on the peeling wallpaper when I

reached the bathroom I hesitated my breath catching as I pushed the door open Lucas's mutilated body was still there slumped in the tub his severed leg dangled grotesquely from the open window swinging slightly in the Breeze the sight made my stomach churn but adrenaline drove me forward I grabbed the leg my hands trembling and yanked it free from the window frame tossing it aside without a second thought the window wasn't very high a drop to the ground but not enough to break bones if I landed right I climbed up my heart hammering in my chest

my legs dangled out first and then I pushed myself through the cool night air hit me like a Slap sharp and invigorating without looking back I Let Go plummeting to the ground the impact was hard I landed on the roof of a parked car the metal crumpling beneath me with a deafening crash pain shot through my back a sharp searing ache but the adrenaline muted it enough for me to move I rolled off the car and hit the ground gasping for air my limbs trembled as I stood clutching my side the drop Hadn't been fatal

but I was definitely injured I staggered away from the car glancing around the yard that's when I saw it every other car parked near the house had been vandalized Windows shattered tires slashed hoods dented beyond recognition one car had its engine exposed wires ripped out and dangling like lifeless veins whoever had done this wasn't just trying to trap us they were making sure There was no escape the weight of the realization Hit me hard I was injured alone and the only means of Escape were ruined the house loomed behind me dark and oppressive its broken

windows glowing faintly in the Moonlight I couldn't go back I Wouldn't I turned toward the woods the dense line of trees called to me like a sanctuary their Shadows promising cover and distance from the horrors inside without hesitation I limped forward my breath ragged and my heart pounding each step sent sharp jolts of pain through my back but I forced myself onward driven by sheer Terror the forest swallowed me whole its Darkness a different kind of Suffocation the sounds of the house Faded behind me replaced by the rustle of leaves and the occasional snap of

a twig beneath my feet I found a dense Thicket and crouched low wrapping my arms around my knees my body achd my mind raced but I couldn't hold myself upright for long the adrenaline that had kept me moving drained away leaving me trembling and weak my legs buckled and I collapsed onto the ground The Damp Earth Cold against my skin I tried to get up but my Muscles refused to respond I closed my eyes my breath shallow and uneven lying on the ground my body felt heavier with every passing second the pain in my back

and legs throbbing now that the adrenaline was gone the forest was quiet but the pounding in my chest wouldn't let me forget the killer was still out there and the night was far from over I lay on the cold forest floor staring up at the dark canopy of Leaves my breaths were shallow and the pain in my back throbbed With Every Beat of My Heart my phone I'd forgotten about it entirely in the chaos with trembling hands I pulled it out of my pocket the screen lit up illuminating my bloodied fingers I had signal for

a moment I just stared at the Bars unsure if I could believe what I was seeing then I tapped the emergency dial and called the police my voice was shaking as I gave them the address trying to explain what had happened they assured me help was on the way but I didn't feel reassured I couldn't stay here not with that thing still out there I opened the Uber app next desperate for any way to Get further from the house to my shock there was a car nearby just 10 minutes away the driver's name was Alexander

his photo showing a middle-aged man with a kind face the car was a gray sedan the plate number clearly displayed I booked the ride immediately praying the driver wouldn't cancel lying there in the woods I kept my eyes fixed on the app watching the car's little icon move Closer 5 minutes passed then suddenly headlights cut through the trees I sat up squinting as the car approached my heart raced it had arrived early 5 minutes earlier than the app had predicted I checked the car against the details on my phone gray sedan matching plate number it

was the Uber relief washed over me as the car stopped near the edge of the woods its engine idling softly I forced myself to my feet ignoring the Sharp pain in my back and stumbled toward the car as I approached I leaned toward the driver's window and called out I could barely see him in the dark Alexander the driver looked at me and nodded Matt the sound of my name spoken so casually made my chest loosen I opened the back door and collapsed onto the seat shutting the door behind Me the soft hum of the

car's engine felt like a barrier between me and the horrors I'd Left Behind the driver didn't ask why I looked the way I did even though I was bloody and visible shaken he just started driving I didn't care Uber drivers weren't supposed to pry they probably thought it was polite not to that was fine with me I leaned back closing my eyes for a Moment when I opened them I caught a glimpse of the driver in the rear view mirror his long black hair gleamed under the faint light and his nails polished black tapped rhythmically

on the steering wheel his coat and shirt were jet black as well blending into the darkness of the night 5 minutes passed intense silence then my phone buzzed in my pocket I pulled it out expecting some Update from the police instead my screen showed a notification from Uber your driver has arrived at the pickup location