AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My heart races as the emotion sucking monsters draw nearer, their grotesque forms and malevolent presence filling me with an overwhelming sense of fear. In the face of this terror, words escape me in a jumble of unintelligible sounds. It’s as though my vocal cords have betrayed me, leaving me with nothing but the raw, primal instinct to survive.
As the monsters close in, I can’t help but marvel at the profound fear that Wyatt must have grappled with every day since his return to active duty. I had known it as his therapist, seen it in his eyes and heard it in his words, but experiencing it firsthand is an entirely different ordeal. The intensity of this fear, the way it grips my very being, is both humbling and eye opening.
In this moment, I realize the immense courage it takes to face such overwhelming dread day in and day out. Wyatt’s struggles with PTSD, his battle against the haunting memories and nightmares, have given me a newfound respect for his resilience and strength. It’s one thing to empathize with his experiences, and quite another to walk in his shoes, even if only for a brief moment.
Can I do it? I don’t know if I can…
My pulse thunders with terror as the emotion sucking monsters draw closer, their grotesque forms looming over us like a nightmare come to life. Every fiber of my being screams at me to flee, to escape this living nightmare. But then I hear Lucas’s cry, a desperate plea for help, and a surge of determination floods through me.
With a cry of my own, I push past the encroaching monsters, my fear momentarily forgotten in my unwavering resolve to reach Lucas. I can’t stand by while he’s in danger, while my friends risk their lives to protect me. He needs me, and I’m willing to face whatever horrors lie ahead to get to him.
The monsters’ hisses and growls fade into the background as I sprint towards Lucas, my legs pumping with adrenaline fueled strength. My heart beats a frantic rhythm in my chest, and my breath comes in ragged gasps, but I don’t falter. The sheer urgency of the situation propels me forward, overriding the paralyzing fear that had gripped me moments ago.
Reaching Lucas, I drop to my knees beside him, my hands trembling as I assess his condition. He’s pale, his breathing shallow, and his eyes unfocused. The relentless pull of The Rift has taken a toll on him, and I can see the torment in his expression.
“Lucas,” I whisper, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and determination. “I’m here. You’re not alone.” My fingers brush his cheek gently, a gesture of reassurance as much for myself as for him.
Behind me, I can sense the presence of my teammates, their protective instincts kicking into high gear. Roarke’s fierce growls and Wyatt’s steadfast determination fill the air, a stark contrast to the grotesque monsters that surround us.
Lucas’s face is as pallid as the moon, his eyes fixed on the infinite expanse above as though he’s lost in a world beyond our reach. Panic grips my heart as I fear the worst, wondering if he has succumbed to the relentless pull of the Rift. For a terrifying moment, it seems as though he’s left this world, his gaze unyielding and distant.
A sob escapes my lips, a desperate cry for him to return to us, to the safety of the cave, but my voice falters in the face of uncertainty. Then, as if my anguish reaches him through the darkness that threatens to engulf him, Lucas blinks, turning his head in my direction.
Relief washes over me like a tidal wave, and I cradle him gently in my hands, his fragile form a stark reminder of the vulnerability that haunts us all in this perilous place. My voice quivers as I whisper words of love and soothing reassurances, my lips brushing against his forehead in a tender gesture.
“Lucas,” I murmur, my voice trembling with emotion. “You’re not alone. We’re here with you. All of us. Everything will be okay, I promise.” I pour all the love and comfort I can muster into those words, hoping they can pierce through the darkness that clings to him.
But despite my best efforts, I can’t help but feel a sense of helplessness. The strategies and coping mechanisms that have helped the others recover from their encounters with the monsters don’t seem to be working this time. Lucas remains trapped in that shadowy place, his eyes haunted and distant.
Tears stream down my cheeks, falling onto Lucas’s still and pallid face. It is a poignant moment, his eyes vacant, lost in a realm beyond our reach. But even as my tears mark his skin, a cacophony of sounds fill the air around us—the ferocious snarls and growls of our protective wolves.
With the intensity of a tempest, the wolves launch themselves at the last remaining monsters, tearing through them with a savage determination. It is a fierce display of loyalty and resilience, a testament to the unbreakable bond that unites our pack.
As the battle rages on, I continue to cradle Lucas in my arms, whispering words of comfort and love, praying that he will find his way back to us. The chaotic scene unfolding around us is a stark reminder of the dangers we face, but also of the strength and unity that defines our group.
In that moment, amidst the turmoil and uncertainty, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the brave souls who are fighting to protect us. Our survival depends on their unwavering resolve, their unyielding loyalty, and their willingness to confront the horrors that lurk within the Rift.
As the chaos of battle subsides and the last remnants of the Rift’s creatures fade away, Wyatt, who had fought valiantly alongside the rest of the pack, makes his way toward me and Lucas. His presence is a source of solace, a reminder that we are not alone in this perilous journey.
Wyatt’s eyes, still reflecting the intensity of the battle, softens as he approaches, his gaze shifting between Lucas and me. He kneels beside us, a comforting and reassuring presence in the midst of the uncertainty that envelopes us.
His strong, steady hands reach out, gently resting on my shoulder, offering a silent but unwavering support. There is a deep understanding in his eyes, an acknowledgment of the fear and turmoil that has gripped me during those harrowing moments.
I turn to him, my eyes filled with gratitude, and offer a faint, tearful smile. “Thank you, Wyatt,” I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion. It is a simple expression of appreciation, but it carries the weight of everything we have just endured together.
Owen joins our small group as we huddle together, finding comfort in each other’s presence. His face bears the signs of the fierce battle he has just fought, yet his eyes hold a genuine concern for our well-being.
“Anya, Lucas, you both okay?” Owen asks, his voice filled with a mix of relief and worry. His presence adds another layer of reassurance, a reminder that we are not alone in this struggle.
I nod, my voice still shaky as I reply, “We’re okay, thanks to all of you.” Now more alert, Lucas manages a weak but appreciative smile, silently echoing my sentiments.
Owen’s supportive words are a testament to the deep bonds that have formed among our group. We are a team, a family, and in times of crisis, we rely on each other for strength and solace.
“We’ll get through this together,” Owen continues, his tone resolute. His words carry a sense of determination that resonates with all of us. The challenges we faced were immense, but we are united by a common purpose and an unyielding resolve.
But Roarke doesn’t join in with the comradery. Truth be told, he still seems angry even with all the monsters gone, and he snaps at us all. “We need to get back to the cave right away, to care for Lucas properly.”
His urgency cuts through the moment of respite we have found, reminding us of the pressing need to get Lucas back to the cave for proper care. His tone carries a stern authority, emphasizing the importance of tending to our wounded pack member.
