The world is a blur of darkness and fear as you sprint down the deserted streets of Sunnydale. You can hear them behind you—The Gentlemen. Their long, skeletal fingers tap softly against the pavement, those hideous smiles frozen on their pale faces. Heart racing, you glance back, catching a glimpse of them gliding forward—silent, relentless.

You want to scream, to call for help, but you can’t. No one can. Your voice, like everyone else’s, is gone—stolen away by the very monsters chasing you. Panic tightens your chest as you turn a sharp corner, desperately searching for somewhere—anywhere—to hide.

Then, just as you think you’ll have to keep running, you spot a familiar redhead crouched behind a low wall: Willow. You nearly stumble in your relief, the sight of your best friend like a lifeline.

But she’s not alone.

There’s a girl beside her—blonde, wide-eyed, and clinging to Willow’s arm. She looks terrified, and something twists uncomfortably in your chest at the sight of her pressed so close to Willow. Who the hell is she? But there’s no time to worry about that. You can feel The Gentlemen drawing closer, gliding silently just around the corner.

Willow’s eyes go wide when she sees you, and she gestures frantically for you to get down, her movements urgent but careful to stay quiet. Without hesitation, you dart toward them, sliding in beside the two girls. Your lungs burn, but you keep your mouth clamped shut, barely daring to breathe. One sound, and it’s over.

Willow’s hand grips your arm tightly, her familiar touch grounding you. Then she glances at the blonde girl and gestures between the two of you, mouthing the words slowly: “This is Tara.”

Tara? You’ve never heard of her before. Why is she here, huddled up with Willow like they’re—like they’re…?

Before you can dwell on it, a shadow passes just beyond your hiding place. The Gentlemen. You instinctively press closer to Willow, eyes locked on the dark shapes gliding past, their ghoulish smiles illuminated by the faint moonlight.