Story 854: Hunger Unleashed

The howls echoed in the night, multiplying.

Evelyn’s pulse thundered in her ears as the Crimson Howler thrashed against Dominic’s silver chains. Its flesh hissed where the metal burned, but the creature’s smile never faded.

It was enjoying this.

“Move!” Reaper barked, pumping his shotgun and unloading another shell into the Howler’s knee. The blast sent flesh and bone flying, but the thing barely faltered. Instead, it laughed—a wet, gurgling sound.

And then, it began to change.

Its split jaw opened wider, tendrils of raw muscle tearing from its throat. They snapped out like whips, lashing at the chain that bound it. The silver held—for a moment.

Then, the tendrils coiled around Dominic’s arm.

He gasped as the flesh burned through his sleeve. The chains rattled, slipping from his grip as the creature ripped free.

Mia screamed. “Run!”

Evelyn didn’t hesitate. She grabbed Dominic and hauled him back as the Howler lunged, claws swiping inches from her face.