Page 153 of Primal

“You don’t have to do this,” Kristy chokes out. “Let us go. Please, Lana. We’re your friends.”

Lana scoffs. “Please. I kept you both afloat while I was drowning. You never noticed. I’m done being there for people who only reach out when it’s convenient.”

Payton swallows but doesn’t look away. Brave. Or stupid.

Me? I’m swaying, breath shallow. Eyes on Lana.

Payton’s been her target all along.

Fuck. The walls are pulsing. My blood’s leaking faster than I can blink. I need time. I need—

The doors burst open. Rain lashes in sideways. Four figures tumble through—two hunters, two prey, all soaked and buzzing.

“Jesus,” the blonde gasps. Lace teddy plastered to her skin. “It’s freezing.”

The other blonde hops in place. Tank top torn, fishnets sagging.

The Oni chuckles. Slaps a meaty hand on her ass. “Quit whining. We’re just getting to the fun part.”

The Void steps forward—then freezes, his smooth mask reflecting the candlelight like an oil slick. His boot lifts with a wet squelch, sole painted red. “The hell?”

White Lace follows his gaze. “Ew. Is that … blood?”

“Sick,” the blonde says. “The special effects are next-level.”

The Oni glances at the altar. At us. “Uh. Are we crashing a scene?”

Derek’s mask tilts, arms wide open. “Welcome to the Haunted Chapel.”

“Ooh, is this like a final boss thing?” the blonde whispers. “I love immersive shit.”

“Run.” Wesley lurches upright. “Get the fuck out of here. Now.”

Lana’s already moving.

The blonde blinks. “Wait, is this part of the—”

The taser crackles. Her body locks, eyes wide. She crumples. Garbled gasp.

White Lace stumbles back. Screaming.

The Void shoves her behind him. “Fuck this—”

Shouts erupt.

Kristy launches from the pews.

Lana whirls around just as she closes the gap.

The antler sinks into the meat of Lana’s shoulder. A perfect brachial plexus strike.

The taser drops.

“Run,” Payton shouts.

Kristy bolts—three strides, past the stunned newcomers—

bang.