Something's Outside

<TAI’S POV>

When I heard the scream of a dying lady, my eyes sprang open.

What’s going on?

My heart was racing.

Blinking rapidly to get rid of my blurry vision, I soon focused my attention on the front window, which was only a few inches away from me.

“Gyaaaaaaah!!! Help me! Somebody!”

The woman kept screaming.

I should get up! I gotta help that woman!

The thought came in an instant, but the knots within my stomach kept me from doing just that.

No, my brain was telling me. Don’t do it.

I couldn’t see all that well. It was pretty much pitch black inside the house besides the bit of moonlight that shone through the window.

And to add ‌to the rationale, I didn’t have a weapon.

But most of all…

With my arms wrapped around my shoulders, I trembled.

I was terrified.

I’m sorry, Miss. I’m really sorry.

The lady kept screaming…until she could no longer scream.

Was she attacked by someone? Was she getting robbed? Or assassinated?

My thoughts were getting all jumbled up.

And that’s when I felt it.

A hot breath. Reaching onto my neck.

I turned, ready to scream out of reflex, until a rough hand pressed against my lips.

“Shhh…it’s okay. It’s me, Frank.”

My quick breaths were now slowing. Frank took his hand away, giving me the chance to collect myself.

“Thank goodness it was just you, Mr. Frank. I thought something was going to kill…me…”

I slowed down at the end when I caught a glimpse of his short sword.

“A-are you trying to kill me, Mr. Frank?”

He sighed.

“If I had wanted you dead, then I wouldn’t have tried calming you down.”

I took another deep breath, one that was full of relief.

“You’re right,” I said. “I’m sorry. I’m just freaking out right now.”

Frank nodded with an understanding expression.

“Don’t worry. I get it. I used to be just like you when I was starting out as an adventurer, so there’s no need for an apology.”

What a kind man!

“Thank you…” I said with admiration. The fog in my head was now clearing up.

“Of course. Now…” Frank’s expression darkened. “Do you know what’s happening? I heard the neighbor scream and came out here.”

I shook my head.

“Sorry, but I’m in the same boat as you. I heard screams and woke up, but…”

Frank raised his brow.

“But?”

My hands continued to tremble as I replayed the recent memory of the woman’s scream.

“It sounded as if she was being eaten…”

Frank’s eyes widened.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded.

Frank bit ‌his quivering lip.

He must’ve had the same idea as I had earlier. That his neighbor was either being robbed or being attacked by someone.

“Shit. You’re telling me that a creature snuck through the gates?”

Frank shut his eyes and thought for a moment. He then turned to the small hallway across the living room.

“I need to wake up the girls—”

No. Don’t.

That’s what I wanted to say, but remained silent.

Instead, I gripped ‌his shoulder.

Frank turned.

Seeing me with a finger pressed against my lips, he got the message.

Stay quiet.

But his eyes asked why.

I pointed to my ear. I hope Frank got the message. The answer he wanted was going to be answered if he just listened.

We continued to stay silent.

Once we got control of our breathing, we placed our undivided attention toward the sound by the door.

It was hard to hear at first, but with every second that went by, the noise became clearer and clearer.

Sniff…sniff…

Someone was at the door. Someone huge.

Were they even a person? No, it wasn’t. That much was clear. But whatever this thing was, it was trying to track us down…