NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Trapped in the Wild
Chapter 10: Trapped in the Wild
The world outside the city was nothing short of breathtaking. Green plants and tall trees stretched as far as the eye could see, their leaves shimmering faintly in the sunlight. The flat terrain extended endlessly, broken only by gentle slopes and patches of wildflowers that swayed in the soft breeze. There were no roads here, just open land untouched by human civilization. The air was fresh and carried a faint, sweet aroma of nature—completely unlike the confined, structured life within the city walls.
Denver tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he maneuvered their car across the rugged ground. The engine hummed steadily, a comforting sound amid the silence that enveloped them. He had been driving for three hours straight, his eyes scanning the horizon, but there was no clear destination in sight.
Priyanshu (leaning forward): "This is useless. None of us have ever been outside the city before. We don't even know where to start looking for these places."
Denver (tightening his jaw): "I know, but we can't turn back. We have to figure this out."
Sam sat quietly, her arms wrapped around her knees. She gazed out the window, her mind swirling with unease. The vastness of the world outside was intimidating, and the lingering fear of monsters made her stomach churn.
Kartik (flipping through one of the magical books): "There's got to be something in here—some clue about where to begin."
After another hour of aimless driving, Denver finally pulled the car to a stop near a grove of trees.
Denver (sighing): "Alright, we need to regroup. Let's take a break and figure out what we're doing."
The group climbed out of the car and stretched their stiff limbs. Denver laid the map out on the car's hood, and everyone gathered around.
Denver (pointing to the map): "We have these books. If we don't know where to go, we'll start by reading through them. Maybe we'll find something."
Everyone nodded in agreement. They settled on the ground, each taking a book. The hours slipped by as they poured over the texts, their surroundings growing darker with each passing moment.
By the time they realized how much time had passed, night had fallen. The once-vivid greens of the world had been swallowed by shadows, leaving them in near-total darkness.
Priyanshu (squinting): "I can't see a thing."
Sam (nervously): "Neither can I."
Kartik (rummaging through his bag): "Don't worry, I've got something for this."
He pulled out a small, metallic ball. With a flick of a switch, the gadget emitted a soft glow, casting just enough light for them to see each other.
Denver (nodding): "Nice work, Kartik."
As the group continued reading, Sam suddenly froze. A strange sensation washed over her, like an invisible thread tugging at her mind. It was faint at first, but then the thoughts became clearer—disjointed and primal.
Sam (clutching her head): "Wait... Something's wrong."
Denver (looking up): "What is it?"
Sam (voice trembling): "I can feel... thoughts. They're not mine. They're... about food. Meat."
Her voice wavered as the realization hit her.
Sam (panicked): "It's not food. It's us. Something's coming."
Priyanshu (wide-eyed): "Are you sure?"
Before Sam could answer, a low growl echoed through the darkness, sending chills down their spines.
Sam (scrambling to her feet): "They're here!"
Denver bolted for the car.
Denver (yelling): "Everyone in! Now!"
The group piled into the vehicle, slamming the doors shut as Denver started the engine. The car roared to life, and he floored the accelerator, the tires kicking up dirt as they sped away.
Kartik (twisting around in his seat): "They're following us! They're fast!"
Priyanshu (clutching the armrest): "What do we do?!"
Denver (gritting his teeth): "I'm driving as fast as I can!"
The monsters were closing in. Their grotesque forms—twisted limbs, glowing eyes, and sharp teeth—were illuminated briefly by the light of Kartik's gadget. They moved with unnatural speed, their growls growing louder.
Sam (whispering to herself): "We're not going to make it."
Denver (firmly): "Yes, we will!"
The car jolted suddenly, the terrain growing rougher. Denver struggled to keep control, the steering wheel jerking in his hands.
Kartik (yelling): "We're trapped! They're everywhere!"
Denver slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a skidding stop. The group tumbled out, weapons and spells ready. The monsters were surrounding them, their guttural snarls filling the air.
Denver (steeling himself): "We have no choice. We fight."
Kartik (pulling out a gadget): "Let's hope this works."
Priyanshu (summoning a glowing shield): "Stay close. I'll cover us!"
Sam stood frozen for a moment, her hands shaking, before forcing herself to focus.
Sam (whispering): "I can do this... I can do this..."
The monsters lunged, and the battle began.