Sun Shadow

The water is a biting cold that seeps into every fiber of my being, shocking my senses as the current drags at me. The river's surface churns violently, its icy grip relentless. Around me, the others struggle against the pull, their movements frantic yet focused. Above the roar of the river, I hear the creatures.

The monsters at the shore growl and howl, their voices an unnatural blend of rushing wind and guttural snarls. Though they look human, their behavior is anything but. They prowl along the riverbank like wolves, their elongated limbs twitching and stretching as if testing the boundaries of their unnatural forms. Occasionally, one of them lunges forward, its distorted arm plunging into the water, the misty appendage rippling as though it's alive.

"Keep moving!" Blade's shout cuts through the chaos, her voice sharp and commanding. She's ahead of me, her body tensed against the current as she tries to push forward. Each stroke of her arms is deliberate, her determination unyielding. The river fights her, its icy waters dragging at her limbs, but she doesn't falter.

Behind her, Hound's head bobs in and out of the water, her sharp amber eyes darting toward the shore. "They're trying to reach us!" she yells, her voice tinged with panic. "They're coming into the river!"

I glance toward the shore and feel my stomach twist. The creatures are no longer hesitating at the edge. Their mist-like forms stretch grotesquely, their elongated arms plunging deep into the water. The sound of their movements is a wet, slithering noise that makes my skin crawl. One of them lets out a howl that echoes like the wind ripping through a canyon, its voice carrying a sinister hunger.

"Don't look back!" Grey's voice snaps my attention forward. He's further downstream, his broad shoulders cutting through the water as he fights the current. His movements are strong, purposeful, but even he seems to be struggling against the river's relentless force. I catch a glimpse of his uncovered hand, the scar on the back of it glowing faintly in the dim light.

The current pushes me sideways, and I barely manage to steady myself, my arms flailing for a moment before I regain control. My muscles ache, burning with exhaustion, but I push forward, each stroke of my arms feeling heavier than the last. My breaths come in sharp, shallow gasps, the icy water sapping my strength.

Suddenly, one of the creatures lurches forward, its elongated arm stretching impossibly far. Its claw-like appendage plunges into the river just a few feet from me, the water hissing and steaming where it touches. The sight sends a jolt of adrenaline through my body, and I kick harder, pulling myself away from the creature's reach.

"Faster!" Blade yells, her voice cutting through the rising panic. "Stay together!"

Sol is struggling near the center of the group, his small frame battered by the current. His arms flail as he tries to keep his head above water, the worn book he clings to nearly slipping from his grasp. Hound reaches him first, grabbing his arm and pulling him closer. Her movements are fierce, her gaze darting between Sol and the approaching creatures.

"I've got you," she growls, her voice low and determined.

Behind them, Tin is fending off one of the creatures. The misty appendage lunges toward him, its claw-like end snapping inches from his face. With a surge of effort, he twists his body, narrowly avoiding the attack. "They're in the river!" he shouts, his voice raw with exertion.

I glance back and immediately regret it. The creatures are more aggressive now, their mist-like forms merging with the water as they stretch closer. Their howls grow louder, an unearthly cacophony that vibrates in my chest. One of them fixes its faceless head in my direction, and though it has no eyes, I feel its gaze pierce through me. The word "RUN" burns in my mind again, a desperate mantra that drowns out everything else.

The river bends sharply ahead, the current growing even stronger as it funnels through a narrow passage. The sound of the rushing water is deafening, but it's also our best chance. The creatures seem hesitant to follow too far into the deeper water, their forms flickering and distorting as the current pulls at them.

"Head for the bend!" Blade shouts, her voice barely audible over the roar of the river. "We can lose them there!"

I push myself harder, my muscles screaming in protest. The icy water stings every inch of my body, but I force myself to focus on the bend ahead. Each stroke feels like an eternity, my limbs heavy and uncooperative. The creatures' howls grow fainter, but I can still feel their presence, an oppressive weight pressing against my mind.

As we round the bend, the current surges, pulling us faster than before. I'm barely able to keep my head above water, the force of the river threatening to drag me under. Blade reaches the shallows first, her feet finding purchase on the rocky riverbed. She turns, her hand outstretched as she helps pull Hound and Sol to safety.

I'm next, my legs trembling as I stumble onto the shore. The cold air bites at my wet skin, but the relief of solid ground is overwhelming. Tin and Grey follow close behind, their faces pale with exhaustion.

We collapse onto the rocky shore, gasping for breath. The river roars beside us, its relentless current a barrier between us and the creatures. For now, we're safe. But the memory of their howls lingers, a haunting reminder that safety is only temporary.

"Is everyone okay?" Blade's voice is steady, but her eyes betray her exhaustion.

We nod, too breathless to speak. The scars on my arm throb painfully, the word "RUN" seared into my mind. I glance back at the river, half-expecting to see the creatures still lurking at its edge. But the mist has swallowed them, their forms disappearing into the fog.

For now, the river has saved us. But the chase isn't over.