The strange scent.

As I sprinted across the room, my heart pounding in my chest, my eyes caught sight of a motionless figure lying beside the couch. My feet skidded to a halt beside him, and I crouched down to get a closer look. His hands were black, and I could feel the panic rising within me as I shook him, desperate for any sign of life. "Moses, are you okay?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear. But he remained still, unresponsive.

With a deep breath, I reached out to check his breathing, my fingers hovering tentatively over his chest. Relief washed over me as I felt the gentle rise and fall of his chest, but his breathing was labored and ragged. I couldn't help but wonder if he was caught in the throes of a nightmare.

I knew I had to act fast, but I was on my own. Brendon was nowhere to be found, and I couldn't risk waiting any longer. With a determined look on my face, I summoned all the strength I had and delivered a powerful blow to his chest. Moses jolted awake, gasping for air and clutching