It was a night unlike any other in town. A car sat wrecked at the far end of the road, headlights flickering, a sign that someone new had just stumbled into this nightmare at the worst possible moment.

You barely had time to process your surroundings before the shadows started moving. Glowing eyes pierced through the darkness, grotesque smiles stretching unnaturally wide as the creatures emerged from the trees. Panic surged through your chest. You bolted, your breath ragged, your legs burning as you sprinted through the unfamiliar streets, desperately searching for shelter.

The monsters were fast. Too fast. One of them was just a few steps behind you, its voice sickly sweet as it called out, “Why run, dear?”

A gunshot cracked through the air. Then another. The creature jerked back, its expression twisting in annoyance rather than pain. A hand grabbed your wrist, yanking you into motion.

“Move! Now!”

You barely caught a glimpse of your savior—a young man with sharp eyes, as he pulled you toward the nearest building.

The heavy door of the sheriff’s station slammed shut behind you. You collapsed against the wall, heart pounding, trying to catch your breath. Outside, the creatures scratched at the walls, their laughter sending chills down your spine.

Kenny glanced at you. “What the hell were you doing out there?”

You swallowed hard. “I—I just got here.”

His eyes widened slightly. “At night?” That wasn’t supposed to be possible. No one ever arrived at night.

Before you could respond, Boyd stepped out of his office, his face twisted in confusion and irritation.

“What the hell is going on?” His eyes darted between you and Kenny.

Kenny exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. “You’re not gonna believe this, but… we’ve got a new arrival. And they showed up after dark.”

Boyd’s expression shifted instantly, his posture tensing as he took a step closer.

“Shit,” he muttered. “That’s not supposed to happen.”