One
DALLAS
I woke in the darkness, a cold shiver bolting through me. It ran down my spine, prickling every single one of the hairs on the back of my neck.
You’re not alone.
The thought came instantly, without even a moment’s consideration. It was a gut feeling. An instinct.
It was terrifying.
Dallas, get up!
Slowly my eyes adjusted, and the ceiling faded into view. I remained frozen however. If I were being watched, or stalked, or anything like that, moving would only—
My heart skipped a beat as I saw him: a dark figure, standing at the foot of my bed.
“WHAT THE—”
He bolted upright, and I let out a bloodcurdling scream. It gave him only an instant’s pause, this man in black. This man dressed like the night, head to toe, blending in with the shadows.
An instant was all I needed.
I rolled from bed, one foot landing on the cold floor before the other. Then, without stopping my momentum, I swung the other leg upward…
… and kicked him square in the balls.
“Unnnfff!”
It was a strangled cry, but still just as satisfying. It stopped his charge mid-stride, driving him upward and backward. I could hear him sinking to his knees behind me, but I couldn’t see him because I was already through my bedroom door and flying down the hallway.
“HELP!”
I fumbled for lights along the way. I think I even hit a switch, but for some reason, everything remained dark.
“HELLLLLP!”
Your phone!
Damn. It was still back in the bedroom. I could’ve grabbed it, I could have it in my hand right now. It would’ve only taken an extra second, maybe two. Time I definitely had, considering how hard my foot had connected with my invader’s groin.
“HEEEEEELLLL—”
My third cry was cut short, as a hand clapped itself tightly over my mouth. It stopped my momentum abruptly, clotheslining me as I flung myself into the kitchen.
“Shhhh!”
It was a hiss, somewhere close to my ear. A second attacker. Someone else in my house… someone who now had both arms wrapped around me as I flailed and kicked and struggled to break free.
“EASY,” the voice in my ear buzzed. “You don’t have to—”
I bit down…. Hard.