I turn while supporting most of Laney’s weight, aiming the torchlight down the cave. Our backwards progress is much slower and harder going, but the light is enough. It fills the cave wall to wall and floor to ceiling, keeping them back. I can only pray there is nothing between us and the cave’s entrance.

It felt like such a short walk in, but I’m tiring fast. The bruises and pains of the last few days weigh me down, the new ones hurting worse because of it. Laney must’ve passed out because now I am flat out dragging her. I am failing. I know it and so do they. Their growls of fury became purrs as they follow, stalk, wait.

‘Tace!’

I am so close to losing it I even hear Mum’s voice.

‘Tace! Keep coming!’ And Uncle’s?

A spike of electricity leaps through me and I almost lose my grip on Laney. I don’t dare look; what if it isn’t real? What if I turn and move the light? Tears flood my sight and I blink them away, trying to keep my gaze fixed on the shifting dark. Sounds of pounding feet bounce off the cave walls.

‘We’re almost there, keep comin!’

I stay on my feet, but only just. I’m shaking so hard. Strong arms reach under Laney’s arms and her weight lifts. Softer arms wrap around me from behind. I pick up the smell of Mum’s shampoo over the horrifying musty smell and shudder.

She presses her lips to my ear and starts a litany of whispering strength. ‘Don’t turn around, baby. You got this. We’re almost out. I’m here. You can do this.’

We stare at the pinpricks of red light. Their purrs turn back to growls. Furious shrieks. The baleful eyes follow us the whole way out to where the sunlight leaks through the cave entry. I still don’t turn. Refuse to give them my back till I am out in full sunlight. Even then I check my shadow won’t reach the cave entrance before I finally let myself turn away.

Mum releases me long enough to grab me by the hand and make a run for it. Sunlight and steep terrain or not we have to get out of there. I see Uncle ahead of us, carrying an unconscious Laney over his shoulder. He’d waited to see we were out and then took off. Mum has to drag me through the bush. We keep stumbling, falling and tripping. The light hurts everything and I can’t see. She never pauses.