Chapter Forty
Mark spotted Beth running, with the shadows of the dogs at her heels. Sensing victory he raced after her, covering the ground in swift, confident strides. He jumped a fallen tree lying in his path, but in the moonlight he misjudged the distance. Mark tripped, and fell heavily to the ground. The impact of the fall made his headlamp flicker back on. What a stroke of luck. He now had a definite advantage.
As he scrambled to his feet, he heard a soft background hum that became a distinct buzzing sound. Dusting himself off, he saw insects flying towards the beam of his lamp. Moths or something. He swatted them away from his face with the coil of rope. But the buzzing grew louder and louder. Then he felt an intense burning sensation on his hand.
Mark lost his balance and crashed
