Chapter 99

Gemma

Vivid images of the monstrous Arachne, its sharp fangs sinking into Stacey’s flesh and ripping her to shreds, filled my dreams like a nightmare on repeat. Her blood-curdling scream echoed in my mind, only to be drowned out by my own as I desperately shielded her from the creature’s attack. Stacey’s biggest fear had always been spiders, yet even in the face of this terror she was still trying to save me. She had always been the protector, but now it was my turn to be the hero and save her. My heart raced with fear and determination as I faced off against the Arachne, ready to do whatever it took to keep Stacey safe.

My screams were swallowed up by the incessant piercing beep that filled my ears. It was joined by a cacophony of other noises - thuds, shuffles, and the tapping of shoes on linoleum floors. My body felt heavy and sluggish, like I had been submerged in water and encased in cement. I struggled to open my eyes and find the source of the infernal beeping, but even that eff