The growing night was silent as Alex sped down the highway. Twilight had scattered across the sky, leaving nothing but early-rising glimmering stars. The rough protruding hills, with tall and dense forests, surrounded him; they glowed faintly as the sun’s rays faded. He glanced up, spotting more and more bright dots coming into view. It was a dazzling sight, and his dark green eyes needed something new to stare at. An hour on the road was getting to be dull.

Thank God the road’s empty, Alex thought.

A road without traffic was a blessing, especially since Alex liked to speed when riding. But despite that, it was odd. The two-fifteen was notably a crowded highway; most people would’ve been off work by now. He sighed as his stomach grumbled a bit. Alex silently cursed, knowing he should’ve stopped and rested at that old diner. Though he did eat beforehand, riding the motorcycle always caused hunger. Maybe it was due to the bike’s rumbling or the frosty air against his face.

I’ll stop by a convenience store and buy something. When’s the next exit?

Alex slowed his speed to a reasonable sixty-five. The frosty wind flicked his short hair, kneading it in many directions. He took a deep breath, sucking in the fresh scent of damp dead grass that wafted through the wind. However, that inhalation also caused him to open his mouth and yawn. He shook his head, trying to stay awake, but his strained eyes could barely last. He then tugged at his handle, speeding a bit more as he passed a bright green ramp sign that said Riverlands, one mile.

That place.

He hadn’t considered it, but going through that city would easily cut his time by thirty minutes. He’d ride it to the coast and reach Banks City in no time. Zoey would be happy if I’d arrived earlier than expected. And I could get some sleep.

Alex slowed his speed even further. It’d already taken him an hour to get here, even without traffic. But those reports in the media about aggressive people also sparked in his mind. If they were true, there could be problems.

What am I thinking? I don’t even have to step off my bike, he reminded himself. Besides, it was nighttime—he could run through the stoplights if he had to. Not to mention, Eric’s a deputy—I can easily get out of any trouble. Alex grinned, shifted into high gear, and sped toward Riverlands.

Eventually, the small town’s lights came into view over the canopy of dense forests. It was a majestic sight; the glistening skyline blended with the stars spectacularly, appearing as a colorful painting for his eyes to see. Alex wished he could dance among them. But he soon returned his focus to the road. The vibrations from the roaring motorcycle rumbled through Alex’s body. He loved going fast, feeling the adrenaline as gusts of wind brushed past his skinny body and frosted up his exposed neck. But, as he drove off of the exit ramp and down onto Short Street, he noticed something unusual.

It was utterly empty, void of any night dwellers. Aside from the few cars parked on the side of the road, there were no people. What the hell’s up with this place? First the freeway, now here? Alex groaned. But something else unnerved him, causing his body to shake. A disgusting smell wafted in the air. It was rancid, like an animal that had died and cooked in the sun.

What the hell? Alex gagged. It was overwhelming for his senses; he had to pull over. Warm bile slowly rose in his throat as saliva flooded his mouth. He quickly swallowed it back down. Eric would be more than pissed if his expensive helmet became a vomit bag. Alex slowed his roll and drove into the closest building on the right. Without warning, he pulled off his helmet, breathing deeply. Though the smell still lingered, it wasn’t as bad.

His stomach muscles ached, legs wobbling, as he suppressed the desire to vomit. He blinked slowly; his eyelids felt full of lead. The night barely arrived, but he was already tired. Trying not to puke while acclimating to the rancid odor was challenging. It’s like college all over again when you have that awful hangover. He didn’t want to think about how embarrassing it was to get wasted and then spend the following day by the toilet while Eric rubbed his back. It was worse when they laughed…

Darkness came quicker than he’d realized. Alex could barely see other buildings further down the road. It was strange that not even the street lamps were on. However, at least the outside lights of the building were on. Alex sighed as he shut off the engine. I’ll take a break inside and get this horrible taste out of my mouth.

Alex slowly hopped off, leaving his helmet and street jacket on the seat, and meandered to the curb. The building looked to be an apartment complex. It was a single, long building, though with the pitch-black night, it was difficult to see the edges on either side. It didn’t help that double glass doors showed an inside darker than pitch black.

He narrowed his eyes as he cautiously stepped up onto the sidewalk. But then, he stopped when the lights flickered overhead. He clenched his jaw as goosebumps formed on the back of his neck. Alex wasn’t scared. Nonetheless, he didn’t deny that this place was creepy.

No people outside or cars? Someone had to be playing a trick, right? Alex then rolled up his sleeves, hooking them onto his elbows, before tightening the straps of his small dark backpack. Finally, Alex shoved his keys into the waist pack’s smaller compartment. This is nothing.

He gulped down warm saliva as he made his way to the entrance. Whoever was screwing with him will have another thing coming. Suddenly, the echoing of his shoes turned into a thick, squelching noise. Alex stopped dead in his tracks. His heartbeat sped up drastically, fearing the worst. He slowly lowered his head, heartbeat thumping loudly in his ears, and found that he had stepped into a dark, sticky liquid. It splattered in a large puddle on the pavement.

What the hell…? Alex gulped. Is this blood? He couldn’t tell anymore if this was some prank or if someone really was messing with him. He looked closer; small bits of a chunky substance and more splotches trailed through the doors. A heavy feeling suddenly washed over him, like he shouldn’t be there. Maybe the rumors were true. The wind blew slightly, causing several trees to stir around. Alex stayed focused on what he was staring at, ignoring the gentle whispers of the leaves.

What if this is real? Alex thought.

With the blood trailing inside, someone could be hurt and likely need help. Even though Alex’s gut screamed at him to leave, he had to be sure. If this was all a joke, I can laugh my ass off speeding the fuck out of here. But what if it wasn’t? Alex gulped again. He knew to call for help in emergencies, but this would be the first. Finally reaching the glass doors, Alex wrapped his small left hand against the icy cold handle. His breath appeared as a cloud of white smoke and brushed up against the glass, causing it to fog.

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Caw! Ca-caw!

Alex jumped to the sound of a crow’s calling and flapping wings. Before readjusting, the crow was long gone. Stupid bird. That was the worst time to do that.

Alex pulled out his small golden flip lighter inside the dark main lobby. He thumbed over the imprint of a stallion on the front. Then he finally flicked on its bright orange light. It was hypnotizing as the little flame danced in the air and gave off a beautiful glow around the vicinity. I’m glad I brought you with me.

Alex then stuck his arm out and approached the front desk. With the guiding light, his other hand pressed upon the wooden counter. On the other side of the desk, Alex could vaguely make out a dark silhouette lying on the floor. He then rubbed his eyes, trying to fully adjust to the orange glowing light. But even as he looked around, there wasn’t anyone there. What’s going on?

Just then, a light scuffling came from behind. Alex turned slightly and spotted another shadowy figure against the wall, dry heaving.

“Are you okay!?” Alex rushed over to him. The man’s wheezing throat let out a light groan. The man was older, with dark hair and tan skin, and he looked to have cataracts in his eyes. His wheezing continued, and Alex finally saw why he was having trouble breathing. His abdomen had a dark stain, but his hand covered most of it. There was also a clear indication of blood oozing out through his fingers. Alex jumped to his feet and headed for the door. “Wait here, I’ll get some ban—!”

A tall figure slammed against the glass door, causing Alex to shriek. He didn’t look normal; his skin was a sickly gray, and his eyes were of that similar white. On top of that, his disheveled clothes were stained in dark red blood. The lunatic snapped his mouth open and closed as he slid his matching bloody hands on the glass downward.

Alex backed up, his legs shaking. He shook his head at the crazy man when suddenly, a deep, raspy groan came from his left. It was that other man, shuffling slowly up to his feet. Alex stared back, mouth agape as the injured man limped toward him, groaning slightly. It looked as though the wound didn’t faze him.

“Hey, wait a minute,” Alex whispered. But the stranger didn’t respond, only moving within arm’s length as the other started slamming against the glass doors. Alex flinched as it began to crack, sending bits of glass flying.

Then, without warning, the man opened his mouth and lunged at Alex. Thankfully, his small frame let him slip to the left, and the lunatic fell onto the floor. Adrenaline flushed through his system; it was time to leave.

I thought that guy was hurt. Was he gonna bite me?

The stranger then started to drag himself toward Alex while producing a raspy wail. His dirty-looking fingernails scraped against the carpeted floor as he inched closer. Alex backed away cautiously, maintaining the distance. He then flicked off his lighter and shoved it back into his pocket. Alex didn’t dare take his eyes off the crawling thing as he did. An awful gurgle came from the man’s throat, groaning some more as if he were starving.

Thud… Thud… Thud…

A cacophony of heavy sounds came from the entrance. More of those crazy people were grouped up outside. The outside lamp illuminated about four of them; they stood crammed against each other as they slowly slammed against the glass some more.

Alex’s heart rate rose rapidly as another one of those crazy people launched up and over the front desk; stained hands reached out and tried to grab him, but they missed just shy of an inch. The glass doors finally gave way, shattering shards everywhere as those people shuffled in. They were all similarly disheveled and had dark stains on their clothes and faces. Alex then gasped at the sight of their exposed flesh; bite marks were everywhere. His eyes widened, and his legs started to tremble.

What’s up with these people? Why are they after me?

Alex hastily turned his head back and spotted a door and an open hallway on the right. With one final glance around, he sprinted toward the hall. Their cries of insanity caused his head to ache; he didn’t realize he’d been hyperventilating as a result.

I need to get away!

Taking the right turn down the hall, Alex nearly toppled over as he abruptly stopped. Down on the floor, he spotted one of them, with long, shaggy hair ruffling around as they were hunched over something, digging at it aggressively. The obstreperous growls mixed with saliva created a distorted reverberation in the air. Dark liquid splattered everywhere and even drenched into the attacker’s tattered clothes.

No. No way.

Alex slowly backed away, his legs trembling with dread. Then, the crazy person stopped and arched its head up. Finally, it turned to face him. Its mouth, bloodied and full of freshly ripped flesh, caused Alex’s stomach to churn. His throat was dry, but he couldn’t swallow saliva to fix it. Without warning, the crazy person finally dropped the flesh and rose from its sitting.

Alex shook his head as more hungry moans came from the room prior. He then rushed back to that other door. In a quick motion, he grabbed the doorknob and twisted it. However, it was stuck fast. No, you can’t be serious! Alex then slammed his shoulder against the door, but it still refused to budge.

Come on! He pleaded. The warmth of those strange people tickled the nap of his neck. He was more than uncomfortable as their guttural groans and gross breath caused his body to cringe. But Alex kept ignoring the discomfort and slammed into the door. Then, he instantly jerked back; two of those people had latched onto his backpack. They tugged hard, making it impossible for Alex to break free. The struggle was more than enough stalling for the others to encircle the poor young man. Some of them snapped their jaws at him.

“Fine!” Alex shouted, slipping his arms out of the straps. “Take it!”

As the ones holding on stumbled, Alex barged into the door again, finally breaking the lock and stumbling in. Without a second thought, he quickly slammed the door shut. He had to block the entrance and fast! Thankfully, a tall metal locker was against the wall. Alex rushed over and pulled with all his strength. He gritted his teeth as the locker scraped against the tile. Small veins in his neck popped out as his face reddened.

Please, please!

The locker finally blocked the door, keeping out those people. Alex swayed for a second before collapsing onto the ground. He sighed. I didn’t lose my wallet; it’s okay.

A slight chill ran up his spine as darkness surrounded him. His skin formed tight little bumps and perked up the light hairs on his arms. The ghastly moans from those people—those things echoed through the door. Alex quivered his lips and curled his legs close to his body. He wanted to cry, but no tears would come out. What is wrong with this place!? Screw this, I’m going home.

He shut his eyes and put his head on his knees. “This has to be a dream. But when will I finally wake up? That guy—he was eating it—like a zombie...”

I have to get out of here—out of this city…

The banging and the unnatural cries finally ceased. Alex lifted his head and glanced around the room. It was tiny, rectangular, and had a door at the far end of the right wall. But no monsters, thankfully. Alex rubbed his eyes, letting them fully adjust to the darkness. Then, he carefully stretched his legs out and stood up. As he did, he pulled out his phone, immediately dialing Eric’s number when—

“What the...?” Alex’s eyes widened. The service was dead. He silently cursed to himself. No service meant no help; how wonderful. “Guess the rumors were true. This place has gone insane.”