David's heart pounded in his chest as the monster's crimson eyes locked onto his, paralyzing him. It wasn't just fear—it was as though the monster's gaze reached into his very soul, shackling his body. He tried to move, but his limbs refused to obey. His mind screamed, demanding he act, yet nothing happened. Why can't I move? David wondered, panic swelling inside him.
In a flash of motion too fast for his eyes to follow, the monster lunged. Its vine-like, skeletal hands lashed out, punching David squarely in the gut. The impact sent him rocketing backward, his body flying through the air like a ragdoll. He was bracing for a bone-shattering crash when Luna appeared, dashing at breakneck speed to intercept his fall, cushioning him from the worst of it.
