The whispers seemed to merge, forming a single voice that echoed inside her head.
"You do not belong here."
"Leave me alone!" Lydia shouted, panic rising in her throat.
The fog swirled faster, tightening around her. She felt pressure on her chest, making it hard to breathe. Her legs went numb, then her arms. She tried to move, to run, but her body would not respond.
"Join us. Stay with us. Forever."
Through the fog, Lydia saw something moving toward her—a dark shape, massive and low to the ground. It was impossible to make out the details but Lydia could feel it. Even though she knew no one would hear her or come to her rescue, she still tried to scream, but no sound came out.
The fog was in her mouth now, sliding down her throat, filling her lungs like smoke. It was su
