Maria saw a chance to save Matthew and sprinted toward him. His body was bound tightly by the red strings, some already burrowing beneath his skin.
The tips of his fingers had started turning black. The sight made her stomach twist.
She wondered if the red strings were turning him into one of those creatures. Her eyes flicked between the burning monster and the dead one on the ground, and the thought became more horrifying.
She grabbed the dagger at her waist and slashed at the strings. They snapped for a brief moment before growing back as if nothing had happened. No matter how many times she cut them, they regenerated immediately.
"Why? What kind of monster are you?"
Her voice broke with frustration as Matthew's body jerked and spasmed, showing signs that the transformation was accelerating.
"Matthew! Wake up! Can you hear me?!" She shakes his body, but to no avail.
He won't wake up whatever she would do and she knows the time is ticking.
