AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Trust me mate, you don’t want to go in there. The prof will kill you if you interrupt. I promise you, Malia’s having a good time.”
Does he think his words are helping? Because they’re not.
“Shit, guys! Look!” Cove exclaims.
At the sense of urgency in his tone, I tear my heated gaze away from Reef’s and turn to Cove. He’s pointing up into the night sky and when I follow the direction of his finger, I gape at what I see.
A dazzling white, blinding beam of light is shooting up into the dark sky, illuminating the tops of the trees and beach.
“What the—” I gasp.
It appears to be comingoutof our house. Out of the roof light in particular, and there’s no way that on a clear night like tonight, it won’t be visible formiles.
“Shit!” Reef curses, the laughter finally dying from his face.
“What? What is it?” Cove asks when I’m unable to form any words at all.
“It’s Malia. It has to be!” Reef replies, suddenly sounding anxious.
“Is she okay? You said the prof was with her!”
I don’t know whether to run inside…or…what? I feel useless. Confused.
“What’s going on?” I finally manage to spit out.
“If I had to guess, I’d say Malia’s powers are fully forming.”
“How?” I demand at the same time as Cove says, “Why?”
Reef sighs like we’re frustrating and annoying him. “Why do you think? What’s the one thing Malia’s done with all of us that she’s not done with the professor before now?”
“They’re having sex?!” Cove whisper-yells.Well, I guess he wasn’t just pulling my leg then,I think as Reef nods. Cove looks mildly impressed. I’m horrified. “What do we do?”
“What can we do?” Reef chuckles, though it lacks humour. “Clearly, we’re too late to stop it.”
“Not about them having sex,” I hiss. Although, if I could have found a way to stop it, I would have. “About the goddamn beacon that’s shining in the sky like the bloodyBat Signaladvertising the secret location of the damn star we’re supposed to be hiding!”
As my words hang in the air, a deep sense of dread settles over me. Over all of us, I think. The gravity of the situation sinks in, and I can feel the weight of our responsibility pressing down on my shoulders. The light that once seemed mesmerising now acts as a beacon for evil to attack, drawing attention to our hidden sanctuary.
“We have to do something.” My voice is filled with determination despite the fear bubbling within me. “We can’t just stand here and watch as everything we’ve worked for falls apart.”
Reef’s face tightens, his usual carefree demeanour replaced by a look of grim resolve. “You’re right. We need to act, and act fast.”
Cove nods in agreement, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. “But what can we do?”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. “We need a plan. We need to find a way to neutralise that light, to protect Malia and the professor, while keeping our secret safe. And I think it’s time everyone went home.”
Cove’s eyes flicker with a spark of inspiration. “I’ll be right back.”
He takes off running towards the dance floor, pushing his way through the throng of people until he reaches the DJ booth. The music cuts off abruptly and Cove’s jovial voice comes through the PA system. “That’s all we’ve got time for tonight guys. TheBat Signalsays it’s time to depart. Please use the light to make your way safely off the beach. Thanks for joining us to celebrate, and before you all fuck right off, join me in wishing the birthday boy one last Happy Birthday!”
Cheers go up all along the beach, but when the music doesn’t restart and the DJ switches off the lights on the dance floor, disappointed grumbles begin to break out.
Slowly, one by one, people begin to make their way off the beach, reluctant to actually leave when the party was seemingly in full swing.
The moment the light goes out, a sudden hush falls upon the beach. The air becomes heavy with anticipation, as if nature itself holds its breath, sensing the imminent danger that lurks in the shadows.
Without warning, a piercing screech breaks the silence, sending shivers down my spine. From the darkened abyss above, a swarm of Shikari descends like a malevolent storm. They fill the air with a bone-chilling rasp, creating an eerie symphony that echoes across the beach.
