“It’s just... freaky. I don’t like it.”

Eve stared in disbelief, holding up her crystal in confusion. “But... it’s pretty, isn’t it? And it’s completely harmless.”

He shifted, leaning away and averting his gaze. “Pretty... Sure. So pretty it’s distracting.” He relaxed slightly as she put it away. “When I see it... I can’t look away.”

“So that’s it, then?” She couldn’t decide whether she was happy to have an answer or disappointed that it was underwhelming.

He was silent again, thinking for a long while before adding, “I hear things when I‘m around it.”

“What kind of things?”

“Voices... Instructions.” His eyes flickered toward Nataly, who was standing in the doorway with a walkie talkie in her hand.

“What do they tell you?”

“I don’t think they’re talking to me.” He gazed down, deep in thought. “It’s more like... eavesdropping on someone else.”

Sounds familiar.

It does, doesn’t it?

Eve nodded slowly. “I think I know what you mean...”

That got his attention again. He raised his head questioningly, but before she said more, Nataly nudged her.

“I just got called for something. I’m sorry, but I can’t leave you here by yourself...”

“Oh, that’s okay, really!” she nodded in understanding as Nataly motioned outside apologetically. Eve spun around to leave with her.

“You shouldn’t have brought me here,” the Inzomniac stated suddenly, looking after them.

Eve paused, glancing back. “What?”

“The others will come for me...”

Eve turned to Nataly. They shared a look of concern as she stepped out of the room, Nataly closing the door behind her and locking it.

“What was that?” She waited for an answer as Nataly led her out.

“Emily mentioned something about Inzomniacs potentially using pack tactics...” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe he thinks some others are out looking for him.”

“You mean- They might break in here to get him?” She felt anxious at the thought.

Nataly was quick to reassure her. “We’ve had an Inzomniac here before, so I wouldn’t worry too much. Anyway, only a few people have a key to open the door, and it’s near-impossible to get in otherwise.”

Eve nodded. “Okay... You’ve been here longer anyway. If you’re confident, no reason I shouldn't be.”

“That’s the spirit!” Nataly gave her a thumbs up, sliding open a door leading to the main building. “Nice meeting you. If you need anything else, feel free to drop by any time!”

Restless, Kai walked down the long hallway, flipping light switches on and off as he went. Something felt weird about tonight, but he couldn’t pinpoint what. It was pouring outside, as usual. Thunder rumbled loudly in the distance. He made his way around winding corridors, his mind wandering along with his body.

Eventually he turned a corner, coming around to the main entrance. First he felt the sudden draft. Then water splashed under his feet, prompting him to snap to attention and look up. He stopped in his tracks.

The door was open.

A wave of panic crashed over him as he sprinted to the door, slamming it shut with a clang. He listened. It was deftly quiet, and he found some semblance of comfort in the silence. Maybe he’d realized in time. Maybe...

His thoughts were interrupted as distant footsteps reached his ears. He angled his head to listen, tense. Was it someone he knew wandering like he had been? Or...

Making him flinch again, something fell to the floor, barely missing his head. He looked down.

A tile...?

The hair on his neck rose, and he flung himself away from the door, snapping his head to the ceiling. His eyes locked with another pair, dull and bloodshot. The figure clung to the ceiling, glaring him down with a look of pure malice on her face.

Without a word, Kai turned and bolted down the hall. He heard a thud behind him but didn’t dare look back, making a dash for the alarm on the wall.