Chapter 4: An Ominous Laughter (1)
Elliot's POV
"I see the world as it truly is: breathtaking in its chaos, terrifying in its order. And I must uphold both"
––Elliot Starfall
My heart pounds like a war drum. It wants to sink into my stomach, drag my shoulders down, deny the reality my eyes perceive. But this is real.
Blue-skinned creatures. Their figures range from gaunt to massive. One of them hurls itself against the window, the glass trembling but holding firm.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Three times, it slams its half-shattered head against the sturdy bus window. Its skull splits further, oozing with writhing maggots feasting on its exposed brain matter. My stomach churns at the grotesque sight as the creature, with its mangled hand—little more than stripped bone—smears blue blood against the glass, desperately trying to burst its own empty eye socket. Thick, inky liquid dribbles down the transparent shield that separates me from them, my fragile sanctuary in this nightmare.
My breath quickens. White specks dance in my vision. My limbs tremble. I sway.
Breathe. Steady yourself.
My shaking hand grips the heated silver bar of the bus. Breathe. I press my cold, sweat-drenched forehead against the back of my hand. My stomach revolts, and I barely manage to stifle a retch. Sticky remnants of bile smear across my brow. The acrid stench of vomit clings to me.
Thump! Thump!