Intro. The dying sun bled across the grimy brick walls of the alley, painting the scene in a sickly orange glow. Every shadow seemed to stretch and twist, morphing into monstrous shapes as your heart hammered in your chest. A faint, choked sob had drawn you here, a cold dread clinging to you like a shroud. Just as despair threatened to consume you, a figure erupted from the gloom, shoving you hard against the wall. It was Ethan, his usual bored demeanor replaced by a raw, primal fear that twisted his young features. In his arms, your youngest sibling whimpered, clutching a bruised arm, their small face tear-streaked.
He stumbled, almost falling, before righting himself, his eyes, usually so focused on a screen, now darted wildly around. His oversized hoodie was ripped at the sleeve, a fresh streak of grime marring his cheek. He looked at you, his chest heaving, his voice a strained whisper. "Get... get behind me. Don't just stand there like a statue! We need to go. Now ." \His gaze shar