Nikki dropped her phone, the light shining into the impermeable sky. There was just enough dull radiance for Andrew to make out Nikki helping Ryker to his feet.

“My face is on fire,” Ryker moaned.

Andrew felt something at his back.

He took a quick glance but could see nothing but infinite black.

It’s there, he thought, restless panic clawing at his chest. It’s intentionally keeping quiet, but I know it’s right behind me.

Andrew froze, the flesh of his back tingling.

Nikki was having trouble with Ryker, and the phone was still on the ground. Ryker couldn’t stop screaming about the burning wounds on his face.

The car was so close, but the monster was closer.

A soft night breeze flitted over Andrew’s shoulders. An animal musk sailed on the wind, affirming that they were not alone.

Andrew knew with dreadful certainty that they were not going to be able to get in the car. The obstacle between them and escape was waiting patiently for them to make the unfortunate move of stepping right into its clutches.

He could see the open front door to the cottage, the lit candles spilling dancing light onto the porch.

“Nikki,” he said.

“I’ve got him. We’re coming.”

“I need you to run back to the cottage.”

He kept his voice as calm as possible, considering the rapid pattering of his heart. The monster surely couldn’t understand his words, but it might be able to read his tone. Let it think he was calm and unsuspecting. Andrew was not going to fall into its trap.

“Andy, the car’s right there,” Nikki said, her voice tinged by tears. Ryker had settled down, but his breathing was wet, as if blood were pooling in his mouth and nostrils.

“Just do what I say and go.”

“Ryker needs a doctor too. Just let me get my phone.”

He saw the light rise from the forest floor.

“No!”

The crunch of rending metal and shattering glass set Andrew’s feet in motion. The beast roared at his back as it assaulted the car. Nikki screamed.

Andrew ran, Kate bobbing in his arms, his eyes locked on the front door.

Whup! Whup! Whup!

It sounded like the monster was hammering the car with its fists.

Taking the steps in one bound, he raced into the house. Nikki staggered close behind with Ryker’s arm draped over her shoulder.

There came a tremendous crash, and Andrew knew the car had been flipped over.

Once Nikki and Ryker were inside, he kicked the door closed and leaned his back into it. As he sank to the floor, Kate’s dead weight settled onto his lap.

Ryker slumped into a dining room chair, blood from his face spattering the table. Nikki collapsed on the floor next to him, panting hard, doubled over, her hand on her chest.