Chapter 20: The Chase Begins
Darkness moved faster than thought.
Fear echoed louder than footsteps.
And in the heart of the storm, friendship was their only light.
The Panic
The air was thick with panic. Johnson's heart pounded as he stared into the darkness where Jayson had vanished with Clara.
"She's gone," Liona whispered, trembling. "He took her…"
"No," Nelson said sharply. "We're not letting that monster get away."
Peter was already moving. "We split up — two on each path. He can't be far."
"Wait," Johnson interrupted, his voice steady despite the terror clawing at his chest. "If we rush blindly, he could hurt her. We need to think."
For a moment, silence fell. The night seemed to listen.
The Trail
Nelson knelt near the ground, eyes narrowing. "Footprints. Fresh ones — heading toward the old gym."
"That's perfect for him," Peter muttered. "Dark, empty, and out of sight."
Liona gripped Johnson's arm. "Then what are we waiting for?"
He looked at each of them — tired, scared, but ready. "We go together. No one gets left behind."
Inside the Gym
The gym's doors creaked open, revealing a half-lit room filled with shadows. The echo of dripping water filled the silence.
"Clara?" Liona called softly. No response.
Then — a faint sound. A sob.
Johnson's eyes widened. "That's her!"
They followed the sound — and froze.
Clara was tied to a chair in the center of the room… but Jayson wasn't alone.
Another figure stepped out from behind the bleachers — someone they knew.
Peter's voice shook. "You've got to be kidding me… you?"
The figure smirked. "Surprised to see me? You never realized I was helping him all along."
The group's shock filled the air like thunder.
End of Chapter 20