Uninvited Guests

Chapter 68: Uninvited Guests

Diane's pulse pounded in her ears. 

The whisper still clung to the air, curling around her like smoke. 

She took another step back, her boots crunched against the forest floor.

Diane clenched her fists. "Miru?" she called, her voice was more confident than she felt. 

No answer.

The ground beneath her gave another ripple, and just as she was about to turn and bolt, a man stumbled out from behind a tree.

"GAH!—Oh, hell, that was close." 

The man wiped his forehead dramatically, then froze when he saw her.

Diane barely stopped herself from attacking on instinct. 

He was lanky, wearing a reflective safety vest, dirt smeared all over his hands and face. 

A toolbox hung from his belt, and his face shifted from surprise to mild annoyance.

"Lady, what are you doing here?" he asked, squinting at her.

 "Are you trying to get cursed or something?"

Diane blinked. "What?"