Whispers of footsteps echoed within the onyx tainted halls, ascending closer to my wake. Slender claws bit into the timbre and befouled the surface, the wood roaring a woeful weep. The shadow cackled lowly, matching to the cadence of its chant, “Arise, arise, arise. I. Just want. To play.” The steps grew to a booming crescendo, the children wailing into their knees. I squeezed my eyes shut and clasped both palms together, praying to any higher power that may salvage us. The shadow shattered to a sprint, its cackle melting to a howl. “I seek! I seek!” A hitched breath escapes me. This cannot be our end. (Just more practice! Didn’t edit again lol)