Story 813: The Black Maw

The air was thick with the stench of burning flesh. The monstrous creature thrashed violently, its jaws snapping open and shut as the flare burned inside its gaping maw. Its screeches echoed down the ruined streets, shaking Evelyn to her core.

Leon was down, blood soaking his shirt. He clutched his chest, his breath ragged. Evelyn couldn’t let him die. Not like this.

But the creature wasn’t done.

As the flames died, the beast turned its head toward her.

Its ruined face began to change.

Black, sinewy tendrils slithered from its wounds, knitting the flesh back together. Its melted lips peeled back, revealing a row of jagged, inhuman teeth. A sickening, gurgling laugh rattled from deep within its chest.

Evelyn’s grip on the flare gun tightened. “Oh, come on…”

The creature lunged.

She dove aside as its massive claw tore through concrete, sending debris flying. She hit the ground hard, pain flaring through her ribs.