Story 317: Shadows of the Mind

The experiment’s chest heaved with labored breaths as it dragged itself upright, its distorted limbs trembling under its weight. Zara’s team formed a defensive line, weapons at the ready. The dim light in the chamber cast eerie shadows on the creature’s featureless face, which seemed to pulsate as if it were attempting to form features.

"Zara, what’s the call?" Callum asked, his voice strained but steady.

Zara kept her blades at the ready, her sharp eyes watching the creature’s every move. “We don’t know what it’s capable of. Stand your ground, but don’t fire unless I give the signal.”

The creature let out a guttural, distorted sound that echoed through the chamber. It was not a growl but something deeper, more primal—a sound that sent shivers down their spines. Slowly, it raised one clawed hand and pointed directly at Zara.

“What… does it want?” Mia whispered, her fingers tightening around her blade.