⸻As the elk drew nearer, the trio felt the walls of their world closing in. Kida and Matt exchanged tense glances, each mirroring the other's uncertainty. They couldn't predict when the deer might change direction or what their intentions were. Matt tightened his grip on the axe, ready to defend them if necessary. The elk continued their slow, menacing advance. Emily, on the verge of tears, was paralyzed by fear. She despised the outdoors, and this harrowing experience only reinforced her aversion.
In contrast, Kida had a more nuanced relationship with nature. Over the past year, she had discovered a new appreciation for the wilderness, finding solace in hiking, meditating, and cloud-watching. She often shared her protein bars with the wildlife, understanding the harsh realities of their survival.
"Matt, what are you gonna do? What are you gonna do?" Emily's voice was trembling, her dark nails digging into his jacket so tightly that Matt feared losing circulation in his left arm. He knew Emily's panic was justified, but he remained composed.
"Stay calm... relax... they're just deer... they just want to check us out, is all..." Matt tried to soothe her, his voice steady.
"No, no, no, Matt, they're gonna hurt us—" Emily's voice was rising in pitch.
"Shhh..." Matt urged gently.
Kida took a deep breath. "I'll guide us through."
"Are you sure?" Matt asked, his voice laced with concern.
Emily cut in, her fear bubbling over into frustration. "Who cares? Let's get out of here!"
Kida bit back a retort, knowing this was no time for petty arguments. Instead, she focused on the elk, which still held their ground. She began to move forward, her heart pounding in her chest. Each step was deliberate, a silent pep talk propelling her onward. As she approached the elk, she extended a hand back towards Matt, signaling for him to take it without breaking her gaze from the animals.
Matt didn't hesitate. He reached out and grasped Kida's hand, her soft, velvety fingers intertwining with his larger, calloused ones. The connection felt grounding, a lifeline in the midst of chaos.
Kida led the way with slow, measured steps, her eyes never leaving the elk. The tension in the air was palpable, every breath a fragile thread holding them in place. Emily clung to Matt, her breaths coming in shallow, panicked gasps. Kida's calm presence seemed to radiate outward, creating a bubble of tentative safety around them.
"Just keep moving," Kida whispered, her voice a steadying force. "We'll get through this."
The elk watched them with dark, unblinking eyes, their bodies tense and ready. Matt's grip on the axe tightened. He could feel his pulse pounding in his ears, the urge to protect his friends clashing with his hesitation to harm the animals.
"What if they charge?" Emily's voice was a desperate whisper.
Matt's jaw clenched. "I... I don't want to kill them," he admitted, his voice strained.
Kida squeezed his hand reassuringly. "We won't have to. Just stay calm. We're almost there."
The elk held their ground, a silent standoff. Matt could see the fear in their eyes, mirroring his own. They were just as trapped in this moment as he was. Slowly, the elk began to shift, allowing a narrow path through. Kida moved first, guiding Matt and Emily with a steady hand.
They continued until they came across one deer that started to become aggressive, blocking their path. Kida's heart pounded in her chest, alarm flashing in her eyes as Matt swiftly let go of both Emily's grasp and Kida's hand. He swung his axe back, ready to strike.
Emily's voice pierced the tension. "Oh my god!!"
"Shit... woah there!" Kida said, her eyes darting between Matt and the elk.
Matt's face was set with grim determination, his muscles tensing for the blow.
Kida's voice trembled with urgency. "You're not going to kill it, are you?!"
"Matt!!" Emily's cry was half plea, half command.
"I have no other choice," Matt said through gritted teeth, his eyes locked on the aggressive elk.
Kida's voice dropped to a fierce whisper. "If you do it, then we will risk dying!"
Matt glanced at her, conflict flickering in his eyes. "I'll take that risk."
The elk let out a huff, its aggression mirrored by the surrounding herd. Their breaths created clouds in the cold air, a silent, pressing threat.
Emily's whine grew desperate. "Matt, do something!"
Kida stepped closer, her voice a low, urgent murmur. "Matt, don't!"
Matt's mind raced, trapped between two terrible choices. The axe felt heavy in his hands, the weight of potential violence pressing down on him. He could feel the fear rolling off Emily, the tension in Kida's stance, and the hostile energy of the elk.
His instincts screamed at him to protect his friends, but Kida's words echoed in his mind. Killing the elk might provoke the entire herd. Could he really risk all their lives for a single strike?
Matt's grip on the axe wavered. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to think clearly. Flight or fight? The choice gnawed at him, each second stretching into eternity.
Finally, he lowered the axe slightly, his voice calm but firm. "Alright... we're going to move slowly. No sudden movements."
Kida let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, nodding in agreement. "Okay, we can do this. Just stay calm."
Emily whimpered, her eyes wide with fear. "Please, let's just get out of here..."
Kida extended her hand again, her touch a grounding force for Matt. He took it, the contact a reminder of their shared determination. Together, they began to move, each step slow and deliberate.
The aggressive elk watched them closely but didn't charge. The surrounding herd seemed to sense the energy shift, their hostility simmering down.
Matt led the way, guiding them through the narrow path the elk had left open. His heart pounded, each step a victory against the primal urge to fight.
They moved past the deer, the cold night air biting at their exposed skin. The fire tower loomed in the distance, their next beacon of hope in the relentless darkness.
"Let's keep moving," Kida said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. "We can't stop now."
Matt nodded, the weight of his earlier decision still heavy on his mind. He had chosen flight over fight, and for now, it had been the right call. But he knew that choice might not always be an option as they continued their perilous journey.
Emily glanced back at the elk, her fear slowly giving way to relief. "Thank god that's over..."
"Yeah, for real," Matt agreed, squeezing Kida's hand one last time before letting go. "Let's get to that radio."
Kida led the way, her steps sure and determined. They had faced the elk and come out unscathed, but the night was far from over. Their journey was just beginning, and the fire tower held the promise of safety—or perhaps, more danger.
As they trailed on, the fire tower loomed closer, a beacon of hope cutting through the darkness. The only obstacle left was the ledge ahead of them.
Kida went first, carefully dropping down and landing on her feet. She steadied herself, then looked up.
"Okay, I'm clear," she called.
Matt positioned himself at the edge. "I'm going to drop the axe. Stay clear."
Kida stepped back, watching as Matt dropped his axe over the ledge. He climbed down effortlessly, his movements fluid and practiced. Landing on his feet, he jumped up and down briefly to warm his muscles.
He signaled to Emily. "Your turn."
Emily's face was a mix of determination and fear. She nodded, then slowly climbed down. Matt grabbed her cautiously, helping her to her feet. He picked up his axe, glancing at Kida. "Ready?"
"Ready," Kida confirmed.
As they moved forward, Emily broke the silence. "If we do manage to get someone on the radio—"
"We will," Matt interjected, his tone firm.
"Then we tell them we need help. But what do we do while we wait?" Emily's voice wavered with uncertainty.
"We go back to the lodge and get everyone else," Matt said.
"Oh god, not the lodge," Emily protested. "We should stay here. In case whoever it is needs to get back in touch with us."
"Let's get that radio working first," Matt replied.
Kida added, "Yeah, just stay calm—"
Their conversation was abruptly cut off as they approached a light pole that suddenly turned on, bathing them in harsh, bright light.
"Ahh! That's freakin' bright!" Emily exclaimed, shielding her eyes.
"No kidding!" Matt agreed.
Emily squinted, trying to make out shapes in the glare. "I can't see—what is that?"
Matt peered ahead. "It's just a security light. Motion sensor probably."
Kida nodded. "It is. It's for alertness of trespassers."
Emily's groan of hopelessness echoed in the cold night air. "You think that someone is up there?"
Kida shook her head. "I highly doubt it."
Emily's shoulders slumped, a visible sign of her dwindling hope.
Matt's voice was resolute. "Come on, Chris and the others are at stake."
Kida's heart sank as memories of her recent ordeal resurfaced, the terror and helplessness still fresh. She wouldn't wish that experience on anyone, not even her worst enemy. Wherever Chris, Ashley, Sam, Mike, and Jess were, she hoped they were safe and sound.
She squared her shoulders, pushing the memories back. "Let's keep moving," she urged. "The sooner we get to that radio, the sooner we can get help."
They resumed their trek, the fire tower now tantalizingly close, its promise of rescue driving them forward.
Kida, Matt, and Emily made their way up the fire tower, each step echoing in the chilly night air. Emily climbed the first ladder, followed by Kida, then Matt, who struggled to climb while holding onto the axe.
"Try not to enjoy the view too much," Kida teased, glancing over her shoulder.
Matt blushed, caught off guard by her playful remark. "Stay strong, Matt... stay strong," he muttered to himself, his eyes momentarily diverted.
Emily reached the top first, looking down to check on their progress. She saw Kida and Matt nearing the top and turned her attention to the next ladder.
Kida's head poked through the hatch. Emily had already started climbing the next ladder. Kida paused to extend her hand to Matt, helping him pass the axe up. He handed it over and climbed through the hatch.
"Ugh, why is it so windy all of a sudden?" Emily complained, her voice barely audible over the howling wind.
"We're almost inside," Matt reassured her, though his words were snatched away by the gusts.
Kida ascended the second ladder with the axe, Emily just ahead of her, and Matt bringing up the rear. They climbed the third ladder to the main room. Emily pushed open the hatch, and the trio climbed inside, Matt locking the hatch below them.
For a moment, they stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths, their bodies aching from the exertion and cold. It had been hours since Matt and Emily had found any semblance of shelter. The wooden floor of the fire tower was inviting in its solidity, but they couldn't afford to rest just yet.
Kida placed the axe near the door that led outside, her mind already focused on their next steps. Meanwhile, Emily and Matt exchanged glances, their breath visible in the frigid air.
Matt's voice was gentle as he asked, "You alright?"
Emily nodded, though her eyes betrayed her exhaustion and fear. "Yeah... just a bit shaken. This has been... a lot."
Matt looked at Kida, who let out a weary sigh, signaling she was okay. He had been about to ask how she was holding up, but her gesture told him enough.
Kida surveyed the fire tower, the silence punctuated only by the howling wind of the Canadian winter outside.
"See if there's any power," she said, her voice steady despite the exhaustion.
Emily moved to the radio, testing the knobs and switches. She let out a frustrated groan. "Nope! Nothing!"
"There's gotta be a switch around here somewhere," Matt said, looking around the room.
"I'll check outside," Kida offered. "Emily, keep trying. Maybe there's something we missed."
"Will do," Emily replied, her tone determined despite the setback.
"I'll come with you," Matt said, stepping towards the door.
Kida nodded, pushing the door open. They were immediately hit by the familiar chill of the night air. Kida moaned in slight discomfort as she and Matt stepped out onto the platform. Matt rubbed his hands together, trying to generate some warmth.
"I'll be glad when this is all over," Matt muttered, his breath visible in the cold air.
"You could say that again," Kida agreed, her teeth chattering slightly.
"It's freezing up here," Matt remarked, looking around as they walked.
Kida scanned the area for any sign of a power box. "I'm so booking that trip sooner rather than later," she said, more to herself than to Matt.
"Seems like getting sand on your buns is worth it now," Matt teased, his attempt at humor a way to break the tension.
Kida managed a strained laugh. "S-shut up."
Matt took off his jacket and, rather than simply offering it, he wrapped it around Kida's shoulders with a gentle yet firm insistence.
"Take it," he commanded softly.
Kida shook her head. "I'm not taking your jacket."
"It's f-fine," Matt stammered, his breath already visible in the cold air.
"Matt, you're going to get hypothermia," she protested, concern evident in her voice.
"So what? I'd rather it be me than you. And we can rotate the jacket," Matt countered, his tone resolute.
"I won't allow it," Kida insisted, her eyes narrowing with determination.
"Fine, I'll do it," Matt said, cutting off any further argument.
Before Kida could protest again, Matt had already wrapped his jacket snugly around her shoulders. She looked up at him, a mix of gratitude and frustration in her eyes, unsure of what to say next. The warmth from his jacket was immediate, and despite her stubbornness, she couldn't deny how comforting it felt.
Just then, a harsh wind blew through the fire tower, causing them both to instinctively push against the wall for support. Kida's back hit the wall with a soft thud, and Matt, trying to shield her from the wind, hovered in front of her. His arms were placed on either side of her body, creating a protective barrier.
They opened their eyes and realized how close they were. Kida's dark eyes met Matt's hazel ones, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Their breaths, visible in the frigid air, mingled together, creating a brief moment of warmth between them.
Their hearts beat faster, cheeks growing hotter despite the cold. There was something unspoken in their gazes—an undeniable longing that neither had acknowledged until now.
Matt's eyes softened as he gazed into Kida's, his voice barely above a whisper. "You know, you're the strongest person I know. We're going to get through this."
Kida's heart skipped a beat, her voice trembling slightly. "You're pretty strong yourself, Matt. You've been amazing."
His lips curved into a small, almost shy smile. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Kida's voice trembled as she broke the silence. "Matt, these past months without talking to you... they've been so lonely. I missed you more than I thought I would."
Matt's eyes softened, filled with understanding and regret. "Kida, you had every right to push me away. What happened last year, was my fault too. I hold myself accountable for what happened to Hannah and Beth."
"But I still pushed you away, and it ached," Kida admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And now, after everything, you saved my life. If it wasn't for you, I'd be dead."
Matt shook his head gently, his face inches from hers, a small, sad smile gracing his lips. "You don't owe me anything, Kida. I'm just glad I could be there for you when it mattered. I would risk saving you any day, no matter the cost."
The intensity of his gaze and the closeness of their bodies sent a rush of warmth through Kida's veins, despite the cold. Her breath caught in her throat as she reached up and brushed her fingers through Matt's dark short curls. Soft to the touch. Her fingers then lingered against his skin, tracing the line of his jaw.
"Being so close to you like this, it's hard to remember why I ever let you go," she whispered, her eyes not leaving his.
Matt's breath hitched, his hands moving to gently cup her face. "Kida, I've thought about you every day since. Missing you, wanting to fix things, hoping for a moment just like this to tell you... I never stopped caring about you. Not for a second."
Kida's heart pounded in her chest, her own hands moving to cover his. "Matt, I was so angry and so hurt, but being here now, with you... everything feels different. It feels right."
"Can we start over? Really start over?" Matt's voice was hopeful, his thumb caressing her cheek softly.
"I want that more than anything," Kida breathed out, her eyes flickering to his lips and back to his eyes. "Matt, I—"
Before she could finish, Matt leaned in, closing the small gap between them. His lips met hers in a kiss that felt like the mending of unspoken promises and broken paths reconnecting. The kiss deepened, driven by months of separation, the pain of their past, and two years of dancing around their feelings. Kida's arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer, as Matt's hands slid down to her waist, holding her tightly against him. Kida moaned in delight as she allowed Matt's tongue to enter and get acquainted with hers. Their grips tightened more as they were savoring each second.
They broke apart slowly, foreheads resting together, breaths mingling in the cold air. "No more running away," Matt murmured, his voice steady and sure.
"No more running," Kida agreed, her voice a whisper of relief and newfound determination.
Their eyes locked once more, a silent vow passing between them in the quiet of the fire tower, surrounded by the relentless wind and the isolation of their refuge. In that moment, the past seemed to dissolve, leaving room for a future they could rebuild together.
The tension of the interrupted moment still hung heavy in the air as Emily's voice cut through the quiet, causing Kida and Matt to jerk apart awkwardly. Their eyes met briefly, each flashing a look of panic before quickly scanning the outdoors for an excuse for their closeness.
"Guys! What was that noise?" Emily's voice echoed with a mix of concern and curiosity as she rounded the corner.
Kida, trying to regain her composure, spotted an orange box mounted against the wall. It was clearly labeled as an emergency kit. "Over here," she called out, hoping to divert attention. She walked over to the box with a purpose, Matt following a step behind her.
As Matt opened the box, revealing a flare gun nestled among other emergency supplies, Kida picked it up, weighing it in her hand thoughtfully. She passed it to Matt, who inspected it with equal interest.
Emily approached them quickly, her breath visible in the cold air. "What did you guys find? I hope it's something useful since I don't see any power being turned on."
"We found this flare gun," Matt replied, holding up the device as a symbol of potential salvation.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Shoot it," Emily insisted, her voice laced with urgency.
Kida, always the more cautious of the trio, hesitated. "Wait, let's be logical about this. We don't even know if anyone's out there. It might be better to hold onto it until we're sure."
"Forget logic—every second counts!" Emily countered sharply, her eyes flashing with frustration.
Kida turned to Matt, seeking backup. "And how do you know that someone's out there waiting for a signal?" she pressed, her voice steady despite the biting wind.
Caught in the middle, Matt weighed his options. His gaze shifted between Kida's reasoned calm and Emily's desperate impatience. Finally, he made his decision.
"I'll hold onto this for now," Matt announced, tucking the flare gun securely against his side. "Let's try to get the radio working first. We need to find that power switch."
Emily scoffed, clearly unhappy with the decision, but she didn't argue further. Kida gave Matt a small, approving nod, grateful for his support.
Turning away from the emergency box, they ventured toward the other side of the platform. The metal underfoot clanged with each step, a stark reminder of their isolation. As they rounded the corner of the tower, Matt spotted the electrical box mounted against the rough exterior wall. It was older, the paint peeling around the edges, but it looked functional.
"There," he said, pointing it out to the others. His breath clouded in the air as he spoke.
They approached the box, and Matt flipped the heavy switch. There was a brief moment of silence before the dull hum of electricity signaled success. A series of lights flickered on along the platform's edge, weak and yellow against the deep blue of the twilight.
"Finally," Emily muttered, her voice a mixture of relief and residual tension.
With the lights now casting long shadows across the platform, Matt and Kida exchanged a look. The earlier interruption by Emily, although brief, could not fully sever the thread of connection that had been rekindled between them. Their close encounter had stirred emotions long suppressed, emotions that both had struggled to navigate over the past months of silence and resentment.
As they stepped inside the fire tower, the echoes of their footsteps mingled with the hum of machinery, filling the space with a sense of urgency. Emily wasted no time, immediately heading towards the printer with purpose evident in her movements. With a press of a button, the printer came to life, spitting out a missing poster—an image of Beth Washington, captured in a moment of innocence that now seemed painfully distant.
Kida and Matt approached, drawn to the photo like moths to a flame. Beth's gaze seemed to pierce through them, her absence palpable in the room. Kida's heart ached with regret, feeling the weight of missed opportunities and unspoken apologies. Matt's hand found its way to her back, offering silent comfort as they shared in the burden of guilt.
Emily's voice broke the heavy silence, her apology a whisper against the backdrop of Beth's image. Kida's eyes softened, recognizing the sincerity in Emily's words, a shared acknowledgment of the loss they all felt.
But it was the sight of another missing poster, this time of Hannah, that stirred Kida's emotions to the surface. Her throat tightened with unspoken grief as memories of their bond flooded back. She vowed silently to herself, a promise to seek justice for both Hannah and Josh, whose absence loomed large in their hearts.
As Kida closed the locker, her fingers brushed against something unexpected—an incongruous discovery amidst the weight of their emotions. Firecrackers and a lighter—a stark reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows, a threat they couldn't afford to ignore.
With a sense of urgency, Kida pocketed the items, her mind already racing with questions and suspicions. She joined Matt and Emily by the desk, her expression determined as they turned their attention to the task at hand—the radio, their lifeline to the outside world, and perhaps their only hope of salvation in the darkness that surrounded them.
Emily's fingers danced across the radio dials, her movements desperate as she sought a connection to the outside world.
"Ranger service for Blackwood County. Over," a voice crackled through the static, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.
"Hello? Anyone there?" Emily's voice trembled with urgency. "Please say something if you're out there, please, we need help!! Over! Over!!! Shit."
"...Hello?" The response was faint, barely audible over the static.
"Oh my god! Thank god!" Emily's relief was palpable. "We need help, please!"
The ranger's voice struggled to break through the interference. "Hello? Can you please identify yourself? Over."
Matt interjected softly, his voice a steady presence amidst the chaos. "Try complying with him."
But Emily's desperation overrode any caution. "Help, oh my god, please help, we're stuck on Blackwood Mountain by the ski lodge and there's a killer and he's killed one of our friends. Oh god, please, come get us, please..."
The ranger's response was muffled, his words lost in the static. Kida's voice cut through the tension, a note of concern in her tone. "I really think you should take his advice, Em."
But Emily persisted, her words tumbling out in a frantic plea for assistance. "We're on... Blackwood Mountain... by the ski lodge... there's a killer and he's after us and he's already killed one of our friends. Oh god, please help, you've got to help us!!"
As they waited for a response, an unknown figure triggered the security light, casting a stark illumination on the platform outside. Kida and Matt exchanged a wary glance, tension thick in the air.
"Something tripped the motion sensor," Matt remarked, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Probably a fucking deer."
But before they could dwell on the unsettling sight, the ranger's voice crackled back to life. "I read you, ma'am. Please do not leave your position. We will send out helicopters to get you as soon as the storm has subsided, over."
Emily's desperation escalated. "What? When? How long?"
"Dawn, at the earliest. Not until dawn, over."
With a final click, the radio fell silent, leaving the trio to grapple with the reality of their situation in the shadow of the looming night.
Emily's frustration bubbled over, her voice laced with anger and fear. "Great. Great. Great. Great. We are stuck here! Now we have to go back to that godforsaken lodge with that psycho."
Kida's response was sharp, her tone tinged with resentment. "That PSYCHO is at the lodge possibly tormenting our friends, did you forget?"
Emily's retort was swift and defensive. "Oh, I didn't forget. Honestly, I wished that I didn't come back here."
Kida's frustration boiled to the surface, her words cutting through the tension. "Gee, I wonder why we are here in the first place."
Matt attempted to interject, his voice calm but firm. "Let's calm down here."
But Emily's agitation only escalated, her voice tinged with accusation. "I know that you're not suggesting what I think you're suggesting."
Kida's response was heated, her words laced with bitterness. "What? That because if it weren't for your stupid prank towards Hannah running off, we'd all be in a better situation."
Emily's defenses went up immediately. "She had it coming!"
But Kida didn't back down, her voice rising with each word. "And guess where she is, Emily? Missing! Better yet dead! And it's all because of you and your fucking insecurities about losing Mike. And guess what? He left you."
The room crackled with tension as Emily and Kida locked eyes, their animosity simmering just beneath the surface.
Emily's accusations cut through the tension like a knife. "You should talk. We all know that you disappeared because not only were you angry at us, but because you tried to mask up the fact that-"
Matt's voice was firm, cutting her off. "Emily, enough!"
But Emily ignored him, her words biting and relentless. "And why should I, Matt? It's evidently clear that she's projecting because of her parents getting div-"
Kida's response was swift and sharp, her voice a warning. "Keep my parents out of your mouth!"
Emily pressed on, her words dripping with venom. "Then you think that you can waltz back acting as if things are going to be fine so you can have Matt."
Kida's tone was cold, her patience wearing thin. "I advise you to stop talking."
But Emily's barbs continued, her voice filled with spite. "Hmm, are you jealous that I got Matt before you did? Now I see why Hannah-"
A sudden noise echoed through the room, cutting off Emily's words. Matt's eyes widened in shock, his attention drawn to the unexpected sound.
Kida recoiled, her hand flying away from Emily's cheek as if stung by the sudden noise. Emily's expression shifted from defiance to surprise, her hand instinctively rising to her cheek as she processed what had just happened.
Kida's voice was cold and cutting. "What were you saying?"
Matt's attempt to intervene was interrupted by Kida's words. "Kida-"
But Kida pressed on, her tone unwavering. "At least the difference between me and you, Emily, is that I can keep shit real and still get respect. You have to mask yourself with this boss bitch power trip, pretending to be strong when you're nothing but weak. You like kicking people down when they're vulnerable and taking advantage to make yourself stand tall. You're fucking pathetic! But you're not wrong about one thing. I do love-"
Before Kida could finish her sentence, the hatch banged loudly, the sudden noise echoing through the room and cutting off her words.
The trio exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the situation sinking in as they listened to the eerie sounds echoing through the fire tower. Matt's grip tightened on the axe, his knuckles turning white with tension.
"Jesus!" Matt exclaimed, his voice laced with apprehension.
Kida and Emily paused their feud, their attention drawn to the source of the disturbing noise emanating from below the hatch. Who could it be? And what did they want?
The thuds grew louder, reverberating ominously in the confined space. Matt's hand instinctively reached for the axe, ready to defend himself and his friends against any potential threat.
"Who the hell are you!" Matt's voice rang out, filled with a mixture of fear and defiance.
Emily's panic escalated, her words trembling as she spoke. "Oh, my God, he's here! He's coming for me!"
Sensing the urgency of the situation, Kida's mind raced, searching for a solution to protect themselves. "Matt, we should barricade!"
They moved to grab whatever makeshift barriers they could find, but just as quickly as the pounding had begun, it abruptly ceased, leaving them in a tense silence.
"Maybe we scared them away?" Matt ventured, a glimmer of hope in his voice.
Kida's brow furrowed with uncertainty as she scanned the room, her senses on high alert. "I hope so."
But their relief was short-lived as a new set of chilling sounds filled the air, sending shivers down their spines. The distinct swooshing of cables in the wind pierced the silence, signaling the presence of something ominous lurking outside the safety of the fire tower.
As the ominous sounds continued, Kida's senses heightened, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to maintain her balance. Suddenly, a powerful force seemed to pull at her, causing her to sway unsteadily.
"Whoa!" Kida exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm.
Matt and Emily, too, felt the unsettling sensation, their bodies swaying with the unseen force. Objects around the room began to teeter and topple off desks and file cabinets, the laws of gravity defied by the strange phenomenon.
"Kida!" Matt called out, his voice laced with urgency.
"Matt!" Kida replied, her own voice filled with concern.
Emily's panic escalated as she watched the chaos unfold around them. "Oh, my God, Matt, what is happening?!"
Struggling to make sense of the situation, Matt's mind raced, his instincts urging him to act quickly. "The tower!"
With a sickening realization, they felt the structure beneath them begin to tremble and sway, its integrity compromised by the mysterious force at play.
"Oh, God!" Emily cried out, her voice filled with fear.
As the tower started to collapse, fear gripped them all in its icy embrace. Matt's instincts screamed at him to protect his friends, but in the face of the overwhelming terror, he felt powerless.
"Shit... Don't move... What the fuck?!" he exclaimed, his words drowned out by the deafening roar of the crumbling tower. Panic surged through their veins as they braced for impact, the darkness closing in around them like a suffocating shroud.
As the tower lurched violently, Kida's instincts kicked into overdrive. Desperately, she reached out and grabbed onto a sturdy beam, her fingers digging into the rough surface as she braced herself against the impending impact.
"Grab something sturdy!!" she shouted, her voice barely audible over the chaos.
Matt, a few meters away, followed suit, his muscles straining against the force of the tower's descent.
But Emily, lost in the panic, failed to hear Kida's urgent instructions. As the tower tilted
onto its side, Emily was thrown off balance, hurtling towards the window with a terrified cry.
"No!" Emily screamed as she collided with the glass, her body crashing against it with bone-jarring force.
"Oh my God! What the fuck?!" Kida exclaimed, her heart racing as she watched in horror.
"Emily!" Matt called out, his voice filled with dread and disbelief.
With every fiber of her being, Kida clung to the beam, her grip tightening as she fought to remain anchored amidst the chaos. Sweat beaded on her brow, mingling with the tears that welled in her eyes. Beside her, Matt's expression mirrored her own anguish, their shared fear binding them together in the face of imminent danger.
As the world around them crumbled, Kida and Matt held on, their strength tested to its limits as they braced themselves for whatever came next.
As the printer teetered on the edge of the desk, its power cord stretched taut, a deadly pendulum poised to strike. With a sickening snap, the cord severed, sending the printer hurtling towards Emily with terrifying speed.
"EMILY, LOOK OUT!" Kida's warning rang out, her voice a desperate plea amidst the chaos.
But even as Emily turned to face the imminent danger, fate seemed determined to intervene. With a sickening lurch, Kida felt her grip slipping, her fingers clawing desperately for purchase as she fought to maintain her precarious hold on reality.
Emily, her senses overwhelmed by the impending disaster, made a fatal misstep, rolling instinctively towards the shattered window just as the printer crashed through the glass, shattering it into a thousand deadly shards.
The scream that tore from Emily's lips was drowned out by the roar of the wind as she plummeted towards the yawning abyss below.
And then, in a heart-stopping moment of terror, Kida felt herself falling too, her own scream joining Emily's in a chorus of despair as her body collided with the unforgiving wall, darkness closing in around her as consciousness slipped away.
As the chaos unfolded around him, Matt's heart clenched with fear and anguish. He struggled to focus, torn between the desperate need to save both Emily and Kida, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
The ranger's voice echoed through the crumbling tower, a distant reminder of the outside world that felt increasingly unreachable. Emily's voice pierced through the chaos, a beacon of hope in the darkness, reassuring Matt that she was still alive.
But his attention was drawn back to Kida, lying unconscious below him, her still form a haunting reminder of the danger they were all facing. Desperation clawed at his chest as he pleaded with her to wake up, his voice raw with emotion.
"Angel! Please wake up! Angel!!" he cried, his words a desperate prayer amidst the chaos.
But even as he spoke, the world seemed to be crumbling around them, the tower collapsing in on itself with terrifying speed. The acrid scent of smoke filled the air, a grim reminder of the imminent danger they faced.
With each passing moment, Matt's panic threatened to consume him. He knew he needed to act fast, to find a way to save them all from the inferno that raged around them. But as he looked down at Kida's still form, his heart heavy with love and fear, he couldn't help but fear the worst.
"Angel, please wake up," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "I never told you this, but I love you, okay! I fucking love you!"
But as the flames closed in around them, enveloping everything in their path, Matt could only watch helplessly, his world crumbling along with the tower, his heart breaking as he feared he might never get the chance to tell Kida how he truly felt.