[Immediately Aubrey steps between Sunny and the noise, one hand still behind her to grip his, the other positioning her weapon like a sword. The weight is different; the threat at the other end is not.

[And Something does appear. Long limbs; long face; pointed ears that could be mistaken for one of those damn wolves, but—

[In the center of its face, a singular eye.

[Aubrey grips Sunny’s hand like it’s the last time she ever will. Tension keeps the rest of her rigid, ready to strike.

[But the nightmare doesn’t move. Only watches. Unblinking.]