Story 834: Rebirth

The scream was like a thousand voices crying out in agony, a warped distortion of something no longer human.

Evelyn stumbled back, her ears ringing from the unholy sound. The air shimmered as the corpse of the Sleeper twisted and convulsed. From the gaping hole in its skull, something new was pushing free.

A writhing, fleshy mass emerged—a second head. But this one was different. Larger. Stronger. Its exposed brain pulsated violently, protected by a layer of shifting bone-like plates that snapped into place like armor.

Mia cocked her shotgun, eyes wide with horror. “Oh, come the f*** on.”

Reaper didn’t hesitate. He rushed forward, his combat knife gleaming in the firelight. He swung down, aiming for the new head—but the creature was faster.

A clawed appendage shot out from the corpse’s chest, catching Reaper mid-strike. He was flung through the air, slamming into a wrecked car with a sickening crunch.

“Reaper!” Evelyn shouted.