Her body wouldn't stop shaking.
Her eyes were focused on the creature lurking a few yards away, hidden in the shadows.
"My mother will come for me."
She tried to sound strong, but her voice was weak from fear (and thirst).
"Exactly," the creature said in a voice that was half whisper and half hiss.
Finley made sure to raise her voice, just in case her mother was near, and needed to pinpoint her location.
"My mother is very brave."
The creature nodded. Finley saw a flash as its mouth opened in a wicked smile, "Perhaps. But she can't escape me this time."
Was this vile beast trying to mess with her head?
"She's escaped from you before?" Finley asked, curious despite her current predicament.
The monster seemed to shrink for a brief instant, "I wasn't prepared for someone so strong. And besides, she had help," it snarled.
It turned it's head towards Finley, who tried to avoid looking into the shining button eyes.
"She won't have help this time. I've spent years planning this. Nothing will get in my way."
Finley was so very scared. She'd never been this frightened before. "W-What about mother's old friend? He'll help her rescue me."
"Perhaps. We'll wait and see. But remember, I'll win in the end. My kind always does."
Finley took a deep breath, "There are...more like you?"
It smiled and tapped one of its buttons. "We are a shrinking population. But yes."
"Where do the others live—"
The creature rushed at her and clapped a cold, metallic hand over her mouth.
Finley was too scared to cry.
"Stay quiet until your mother comes. Can't have her find us right away now, can we? It's got to be a game."
Finley squirmed and the beast let go of her mouth. It crept back into the shadows.
"Let's see if she still likes to explore."