Last night by an old house screams filled the overgrown fields. But no one came for help. Curfew had passed hours ago and those brave fools who dared to wander into the dark knew the risk they were taking. It would be dangerous to go after the blood-curdling cries. Not knowing if they were coming from a poor soul who was too far from safety or from a demon trying to entice folks from their homes. Those who heard the cries would wait for dawn to find out whether a loved one had lost their lives.
Such were the ways in the Hollers of the Ash Mountains.
But tonight, Avery ran barefoot through the neglected wheat. Her heart pounded in her ears as the hem of her long nightgown tangled in the broken stocks. Blood slicked the bottom of her bare feet, causing her to slip.
Keep running. She thought as the dilapidated farmhouse came into view.
They stopped demolishing abandoned buildings and homes in case some poor sucker found themselves outdoors at night. With holes in the roves and broken windows, the asylum seeker would not be protected from the elements. But being pelted with rain was the least of their concern as they fled for their lives. Once they crossed the threshold, the demons would no longer pressure their prey.
Avery didn’t look behind her as she broke through the wheat. Only a matter of yards separated her from certain death or safety. She could do it. Push through the pain in her feet, the strain in her legs. Avery’s lungs burned with every breath she took. But none of that would compare to being shredded to death by the Dwayyo that hunted her. The Moon-Eyed people released their hounds on her as soon as the last rays of the setting sun disappeared from the horizon.
“Be with me Lord, I am in trouble.” Avery prayed.
Witches or aliens are what the locals called the people who lived deep in the mountains. The power that the Moon-Eyed people held over the Hollers had gone unchecked for so long that whispers said hell booted the Moon-Eyed out. Avery didn’t care what they were called, she just knew they were evil. Because what else would breed the vicious beast snarling at her back?
The protection prayer trembled out of her. “My refuge and fortress, my God, whom I trust.”
Blood slicked the crumbling steps. Avery let out a string of curses as splinters pierced the tattered souls of her feet. But luck was with her tonight. She wouldn’t have to pry open the door. Someone before her had ripped it clean off its hinges.
“No evil shall befall me, nor shall affliction come near my tent.” Avery screamed as she threw herself over the threshold, the Dwayyo’s teeth grazed her heels. “For to his angels he has given command to you, that they guard you in all ways.”
Her breath caught as the massive lupine creature smashed into whatever magic kept the dwelling safe. Prayers for witchcraft, she did not know. She was only thankful for whatever watched over her as the force field sent the Dwayyo skidding across the porch. Avery couldn’t move as the Dwayyo threw back its head and howled.
Moonlight illuminated the porch, giving Avery a chance to truly see what had been hunting her. Avery studied the creature safely inside the dilapidated farmhouse. The beast looked as if the Moon-Eyed crossed an Irish wolfhound with a Maned wolf and nightmares. Razor-sharp black fur covered its thick, muscular body. It paced on legs that looked too long and lean for its massive size. No wonder Avery could see it over the overgrown stocks of wheat. AS it paced, the creature never broke eye contact. Avery wished she had a watch or something to tell the time instead of counting how much saliva dripped from its maw.
Her eyes grew heavy. Avery was tired, so tired. How she escaped the labyrinth at the bottom of the Moon-Eyed peoples’ cave, she didn’t know. Avery had been down there for weeks with little food or water and no light. If they were planning on eating her, like the legends claimed, they weren’t trying to fatten her up. Though she hadn’t seen the sun in weeks, Avery kept track of the time of day when the long bearded humanoid creatures slept. Aside from their milky white eyes, Moon-Eyed people look like the gnomes that littered so many gardens. Avery wondered if the kidnappings were punishment for the mocking garden statues.
Humidity rose, driving away the cool night air. The Dwayyo pawed at the threshold, growling, promising it would be back. A warm, red glow broke over the horizon. Turning, the Dwayyo broke into a sprint through the wheat, towards the mountains.
Avery wished she would have slept while the moon was still high in the night sky. However, the thought of sleep stealing precious daylight terrified her. She leaned her head back against the wall, relishing the warmth from the sun. The threadbare night gown had been useless in the mountain air.
Brilliant reds and yellows chased away the dark blanket of the night sky. Soon the melody of summer began. Cicadas buzzed through the sweltering heat as if they were the shotgun at the beginning of a race. Miles separated her from the first town, but would she make it. She had to make it. Children trapped in the mountain, and she would not leave them to become a meal for those demonic garden gnomes.
Avery toed over the safety of the threshold. It’s now or never. Her feet burned with every step she took. If she could only get to the road. Maybe there will be someone traveling on this long forgotten highway.
The sun beat down high overhead. A half a day had passed and not one car had sped by. Avery started to pray, hoping whoever protected her this morning would still be listening to a lost teenage girl who didn’t heed her parents’ warning.
“Stupid girl believing a stupid boy.” She said, kicking a pile of dirt.
The soft white dirt coasted her sweat laden skin. She felt like the sugar cookies she and her mom would make during Christmas. Tears filled Avery’s eyes. Would she ever get the chance to do that again? Would she make it out of this God-forsaken Holler and see her mom and brother again?
Her blood boiled, and it wasn’t from the midday heat. Thoughts of Ethan crossed her mind. His fingers tangled in her hair. His lips tracing along her neck as she shivered in the cool summer breeze. And how he ran like a little bitch leaving as the Dwayyos tried to break through the shed’s thin walls.
He left her scrambling, trying to pull her shirt back over her head as he fled to his dirt bike. Never once looking back as the maws of the Dwayyo clamped onto Avery’s arm. The last thing she remembers was Ethan speeding away into the night as she screamed for him to come back.
Pushing through the pain lacing her throughout her body, she thought, I’ll kill him.
Buzzards flew overhead, taunting her. Avery picked up a rock and threw it at the bald sign of death. But the world spun. She would not last much longer. Avery had to find water soon or she would pass out. There was a river nearby, but that would take her closer to the mountain and away from the road. But there would be shade and perhaps food. Was it worth the risk?
One more hour. Avery thought. One more hour of being scoured to death and then she’d go swimming in the ice-cold waters of the Ash Mountains.
The short shadows of the palm trees were the only thing that noted the passage of time. Avery’s lips cracked. The tangy taste of blood dribbled into her mouth. The world wobbled with each step. She couldn’t wait for the shadows to continue to grow.
Avery lifted her head, peering at the endless road. Nothing but haze for miles. Sucking in a breath, she veered toward the woods. The land surrounding the Ash Mountains was strange. While the road was made of fine white sugar sand, the earth closer to mountains was rich and dense, carpeted by soft green grass. No wonder why so many risked living in the holler.
Avery’s family lived on the outskirts of the city, where the strong U.V. light rarely worked. The rural areas were filled with people who spent most of the daylight hours working in the sunshine rather than being trapped in buildings. With the limited chance to spend time outside, many believed that it was a waste to spend their freedom indoors.
Grass cushioned Avery’s feet. A much appreciated reprieve to the sand that ripped through her tender flesh. Avery breathed through a sigh of relief at hearing the river before finally seeing it through the thick layer of trees. Carefully, Avery approached the river, avoiding any and all mushrooms. Fairy circles trapped those who absently wandered through the forest. Being stuck in one would unleash a whole other set of problems.
The calm river called to Avery. She dipped her hands into the water, relishing its cool touch. Bringing the water to her mouth, she drank, pushing away the hungry that stabbed at her. She drank to push away the pain the sun had left on her blistering skin. And with one more gulp, she drank away all thoughts of failure. She would make it out of here. Home to her family and where she would end Ethan Moores’ life.
Curious minnows nibbled at her toes. Nothing swam by large enough to eat her or drag her under water. Avery wished she had the energy to catch the slick fish that swam near her legs. But how would she cook it? She didn’t have a lighter, and even if she did, Avery didn’t want to give a single clue she was in the woods. No, berries would have to hold her over until she could sink her teeth into a delicious hamburger. How many times did she pretend that the stale bread that the Moon-Eyed people fed her were french fries? That the dirt was pepper and dust was salt. She was getting out of these mountains. First she would eat, then she would kill Ethan.
Avery eyed the bushes nearby. Partially pink and purple berries dotted those close by, but none of the berries were ripe. Even if they may be sour, it was far better than the pain twisting her stomach. Begrudgingly, Avery left the cool river. Her feet hissed at the new texture beneath them.
Watchful of hidden fairy rings, Avery headed to the closest bush. She plucked a few berries, their juices staining her fingers, and popped them into her mouth. As she chewed, she realized she never paid attention to what she just ate.
“Oh well. At least I’ll die with a full stomach.” She said, munching on another handful.
Avery meandered down the path, plucking berries from bushes that littered the river’s bank. Wiping her hand across her mouth, she laughed. Red stained the back of her hand. Quickly, she ran back to the river. No one was going to pick up a hitchhiker that looked like they ate the last person who stopped to help.
The forest fell quiet, and Avery stilled, waiting for something to attack. But no monsters leaped from the bushes, trying to devour her. Instead, there was a distant rattle from the road. Avery rushed from the river. Her wet feet slipped as she fumbled up the grassy bank, darting towards the dirt road.
She barely made out the shape of a white truck, its tires spitting gravel, rushing toward her. She had a choice to make, stand on the side of the road and be missed, or walk into the middle. The middle, where the truck might not have enough time to stop. Maybe they would swerve out of the way. But then they could crash. Or they would crash into her. None of that mattered. She would not miss her chance.
Steading her nerves, Avery stepped out into the middle of the road. Her arms failed over her head as the truck grew closer.
“Stop. Stop,” she screamed. Her voice strained from lack of use. “Please stop.”
As if the driver heard her last whisper, he slammed on the brakes. Dirt kicked up all around them, sending her into a coughing fit. She was coated head to toe in the fine sugar sand. Tears rolled down her face when she heard the truck door open.
“Are you crazy?” The driver shouted at her. “I nearly killed you.”
Trembling, she said, “I need a ride.”
The driver approached her. He towered over her, yet didn’t seem much older. He gave her a sidelong glance before shaking his head. “You look like hell.”
Avery tried to wipe the dirt from her face. “I promise hell looks worse.”
The driver jogged to the bed of the truck. “I have a blanket. It’s not the cleanest, but it’s better than what you’re wearing.”
Avery took the worn flannel blanket from him. Instead of wrapping it around her, she shed the nightgown. She heard the man swear as it hit the ground and she didn’t think it had anything to do with her lack of modesty.
“We’re you supposed to be a sacrifice?” He asked.
Avery shook her head. “I trusted the wrong person.”
Her words stopped her. “Take off your shirt.” She demanded.
The driver looked at her, stunned.
“Take off your shirt. The Moon-Eyed brand their human acolytes.”
Without protest, he removed his shirt and threw it in the truck’s cab. “What did they do to you?”
Avery walked around, inspecting the man. “They strap me to tables or hang me from the roof of the cave and peel layers of my skin from my body.”
He hissed. “Why?”
Her eyes narrowed, and she pointed at his pants. “I need to see your butt.”
“What?” He laughed.
“They brand their under covers on their butt. Normally people don’t ask to get mooned.” She laughed at her own unintentional joke.
The driver reluctantly pulled down his pants and showed the top of his butt. “Happy? Nothing but a normal glowing moon.”
Satisfied, Avery opened her door and got into the truck. “You know the truck won’t keep us safe.” She said as he closed his door.
“I know,” he said, shifting into gear. “That’s why I got these babies.”
He flipped a switch, and the road blazed brighter than anything she’d ever seen. Avery gasped, shielding her eyes. He turned them off and punched the gas.
“I’m Jackson, by the way.” He said without taking his eyes off the road.
“Avery.” Avery snuggled into the blanket, resting her against the window. “If I fall asleep, you promise not to kill me.”
Jackson laughed. “Wouldn’t I have just done that on the side of the road instead of messing up my truck?”
“Fair enough.” Avery didn’t have the energy to fight. Her eyes grew heavy and she let the rhythm of the road lull her to sleep.
By the time she awoke, the sun had set. Jackson hadn’t been joking about his lights. The entire road in front of them and behind was illuminated. The light even spilled into the ditches next to them. Avery’s breath hitched at the sound of the Dwayyo howls running in the dark beside them.
“Morning sleeping beauty.” greeted Jackson. “As promised, still alive.”
Avery’s stomach rumbled. “Thank you.”
Jackson opened the center console and pulled out a bag of half eaten beef jerky. “Hope you aren’t vegan.”
Avery shook her head and took the bag from him. Biting into the meat, she found it to be sweet. Jackson laughed at the face she made.
“That was my first reaction. But for whatever reason, it’s grown on me.” He fished out a few pieces and shoved them into his mouth. “Spicy Dr. Pepper. The creators had to have been high when they made these.”
Avery put the bag back down. The sugar was not sitting well in her stomach. “Not that I am not grateful for the ride. But why are you out here?”
Jackson shrugged. “It’s my unofficial job.”
“Do you have an official job?” She asked.
“I’m in between them at the moment.” He sighed.
“So, an unemployed rescue ranger. Got it.”
Jackson looked over at her and flashed a smile that reached his eyes. “If I’m Chip or Dale, does that make you Gadget?”
“Oh, it most certainly does not. I’m more like Monterey Jack, causing all the problems.” Now it was her turn to sigh.
Jackson watched the joy fade from Avery’s eyes. The blanket fell from her shoulders, exposing the deep wounds where flesh had been removed. “How did you get stuck out here? We’re nearly a hundred miles from any form of civilization.”
Avery whirled on him. “A hundred? Where are we?”
“Girl, you’re in the Blinds.” Jackson said.
Avery shook. “I’m from Sop’s Run. That’s nearly-”
“Six hours away.” He cut her off.
A slew of curse words spewed from her mouth. How in the world did she travel six hours away from home without one person trying to stop the Dwayyos that captured her? Had her parents not cared she was missing? Maybe since they didn’t find her body, they thought she ran away with that idiot Elliot. Hopefully, his fate was worse than hers.
“I don’t have enough gas to get us there tonight, but we’re close to the Nary. They have logging for night travelers.” Instinctively, he reached for Avery’s hand. Jackson wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do, but with how hard she was shaking, she needed something to steady her. “A bath and a bed will do you good.”
Avery didn’t pull away from his touch. She just stared at how brazen this stranger was. Picking her up on the side of the road. Allowing her to inspect him. Who was this Jackson character? Whoever he was, he was a thousand times better than Elliot.
As they traveled down the road, Avery could see lights in the distance. A sigh of relief escaped as they passed a shabby welcome sign that read, There’s more than nothing in Nary.
Avery gestured towards the sign. “Do you think that means that they have cellphone reception here?”
Jackson shook his head. “Nah, got about another hour’s worth of traveling before we get that luxury. Though I think the motels have landlines.”
“That’s good. I really want to call my mom. She’s probably still in a panic.”
Jackson turned the truck into the parking lot of a cozy-looking motel. “When did you go missing?”
Avery surveyed the parking lot. Little status of squirrels and other woodland creatures filled the small flower beds leading up to each room. “June 5th, my eighteenth birthday.”
Jackson hissed. “Avery, it’s almost September.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I thought, I thought I was keeping track of time better.”
Again Jackson reached over for her, but this time he wiped the tears that were rolling down her dirt covered cheeks. “Sit tight. I’m going to get us a room.”
Avery watched Jackson walk into the lobby. From the barred window, she saw the front desk worker jump awake. She guessed they weren’t expecting any travels at three in the morning. Soon Jackson returned with a set of keys and moved the truck to a different parking space.
Jackson leaned into the back of the cab and pulled out a duffle bag and shotgun. “You can never be too careful.” He said, checking that it was loaded.
“Salt shells, right?” She asked as he grabbed another box.
“Mixed with silver. Only the best for rescue missions.” He said, turning off the truck and the blinding lights with it.
With surprising speed, Avery ran to the door. Jackson was only a step behind her. Quickly, the door was unlocked, and he threw the bag on the floor. Like he said, there was a phone on the nightstand between the two queen beds.
Jackson dug in his bag and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a dark hoodie, and handed them to her. “I’ll shower while you call your folks.”
“Thank you,” was all she could say.
Avery’s fingers hovered over the dial pad. What was she going to say to them? Would her parents even pick up? They were hard sleepers, but would they be sleeping with her gone? The pain they were going through, Avery didn’t want to imagine. Her brother, on the other hand, had probably already moved into her room with the thought of “sucker” coming from his mouth as he dove into bed.
It took two rings before the person on the other side quicked up. “Hello?” came a frantic female voice.
“Mommy?” Avery choked back a cry.
“Avery? Avery, baby is that you?” Her mother’s voice broke. Avery could hear her father stirring in the background. “George, get up, it’s Avery.”
“Yeah, mom it’s me.” Avery said as the tears fell harder.
Her dad took the phone. “Avery, where are you? We can come get you.”
She shook her head as if he would see it. “I’m in Nary, but I am safe.”
“You tell that Elliot asshole, if he doesn’t get you back here,” He growled.
“I’m not with Elliot.” Avery interrupted him. “At least not anymore. The Dwayyos caught me and dragged me to the Blind.”
This time, it was her mother’s turn to swear. “I told you, George, she wouldn’t run off with that fool. Baby did,” her voice caught, “Did the Moon-Eyed hurt you?”
“They did mommy, they hurt me bad.” It took every ounce of her to muster her strength to talk. “But I did like you said daddy, I kept my wits. I watched them and tracked their movements. I don’t know how I got out, but I did. And when I did, I ran.”
“Oh my sweet girl, my sweet brave girl.” Her mother cried.
George took the phone again. “How did you get to Nary?”
Avery laughed. “There was a traveler on the road. He picked me up.” George let out a hiss. “No daddy, he’s been very respectful. He said he’ll bring me home. I’ll text you as soon as we get reception.”
George took in a breath. “Just tell me, is he prepared to protect you?”
“Yes daddy, he has salt and silver bullets. I think you would like him under different circumstances.”
“We’ll see about that.” Her dad let out a yawn, and she followed suit. “Get some rest baby, we’ll see you soon.”
“I love you daddy,” and she waited for her mother to take the phone. “Mommy, can you make me my birthday cake again? I never got to eat it that night.”
“Of course, sweet girl, get some rest.” Avery swore she could feel her mom kiss her forehead as she said goodnight.
As soon as she hung up the phone, the door to the bathroom opened. Avery knew Jackson was giving her space. She needed it. Crying in front of a stranger wasn’t something she wanted to do. Even if he seemed incredibly kind.
“I left you the hot water.” He said, holding the door open.
Avery looked. He must have taken a cold shower because she saw no steam. “Thank you.”
With that, Avery got off the bed. Only without the adrenaline running through her body, she felt every step. Her knees buckled under her from the pain. But he never hit the ground. Jackson was behind her, catching her under the arms. Blush stained her cheeks as she noted where the blanket had fallen. The souls of her feet pulsed with pain as he tried to right her.
“I don’t think I can walk.” Avery gritted.
Jackson adjusted the blanket, wrapping tightly around her. “Then I’ll carry you.”
With ease, he scooped Avery into his arms and made his way to the bathroom. Gently, he placed her on the closed toilet and turned on the shower. “Holy shit.” He cried when he saw the bottom of her lacerated feet. “How did you escape?”
“I don’t know. I just had to.” Avery admitted.
Jackson shook his head. “But there’s no skin.”
Avery nodded. “They would redo it every time the new skin would grow in. Or if I looked too comfortable on my feet.”
“Once you get in that shower, I’m not going anywhere.” He said, turning around. “I don’t need you falling and hitting your head.”
“Okay,” Avery stood, holding back a cry of pain. She knew the water was going to be worse, and she didn’t need Jackson turning to see her in all her mangled glory. Then again, he had already seen her, but not everything.
The water was warm. Not steaming hot like she usually liked it. However, she was certain that all the festering wounds on her body would not appreciate being boiled. Placing one foot in her body screamed in protest. But she had to get in. She had to wash away months’ worth of filth. But she couldn’t stand, instead she sank down and sat in the running water. Avery dug her nails into her scalp and scrubbed. The shampoo was too far to reach, and she just needed water to run clean instead of black.
“You alive?” Jackson called from his position by the sink.
“I’m breathing, if that’s what you mean?” She called back.
Jackson chuckled.
Avery grabbed the washcloth and tried to wash, but every time her hands grew close, they refused to touch her skin. “Jackson?” she called.
“Yes?” He sounded as if he was expecting her to say his name.
Avery peeked out from behind the curtain, holding the washcloth in her hands. “Can you help me? My body is refusing to hurt itself.”
Jackson stared at her for a moment before he steeled his nerves. “I don’t want to hurt you either.”
But before he could protest anymore, Avery pulled back to reveal all her wounds. The skin on her back was in various stages of healing in a strange, knotted pattern. “I don’t think you’ll do worse than the infection that’s probably setting in.”
Jackson nodded, padding over to the shower. He thought about plugin the tub but to have her sit in the filth water seemed counter productive. Jackson took the course cloth and soaked it, trying his best to soften it before touching her sensitive skin.
Avery hissed as the soap leached into her open sores.
Jackson whispered, “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Avery asked through clenched teeth.
“That I’m hurting you.” But he didn’t stop cleaning her wounds. The edges around the open sores were a violent red.
Avery shuttered. “You didn’t do this to me. You didn’t slice me up, leaving me to fester inside a filthy mountain.”
Jackson ground his teeth. “The boy who left you. How old was he?”
“I don’t know, eighteen or nineteen.” Avery let the water pour down her neck and over her back. As if the water washed away the memory of Elliot. “It doesn’t matter. He’s probably long gone.”
Jackson nodded and rinsed away the soap. As Avery turned off the water, Jackson grabbed a fresh towel from the sink.
“I’ll be outside if you need me,” he said, shutting the door.
Avery wrapped her hair in the first towel, letting the water drip off her back. Even though the towels were softer than the washcloths, she was nervous of it pulling on her skin. Tucking the towel around her body, she sighed. When was the last time she felt this warm or safe? Avery traded the towels for the sweatpants and hoodie before finally stepping out of the bathroom.
Jackson was sitting at the foot of the bed nearest the door with his laptop next to him. “Do you like hamburgers?”
Avery’s stomach grumbled at the mention of food. “With cheese and onions, pickles, and tomatoes.”
“No lettuce?” He asked, typing.
Avery’s face burned red. “I only like the crunch kind, not the soft green stuff, and I never know who has what.”
“Fair enough.” Jackson pulled out his wallet and typed in the card credit information. “There, food has been ordered. Hopefully that monster living inside you will calm down now.”
Avery looked at the empty bed and back at Jackson. Where did this man come from? “I promise my parents will pay you back.”
Jackson grabbed the remote and tossed it to her before checking the locks on the door again. “Don’t worry about it.”
“No really, you’ve done too much and -”
“And nothing. If I had a kid sister out there, bloody in the middle of the road, I would hope someone would stop and help her any way they could.” He let out a sigh.
Avery was surprised to see worry was etched into Jackson’s face. Ever since he had picked her up, he seemed so strong. “Is that why you picked me up? Because you lost your sister?”
“Brother,” Jackson admitted quietly.
“How old was he?” she asked, putting down the remote.
“He was two, and I was twelve. My mom asked me to let the dogs in for the night and I didn’t want to. I was playing video games, and she yelled for like the third time. I didn’t know anything was wrong until they were blocking the tv.” Jackson sat down on Avery’s bed. “My mom came in screaming, looking for Trevor. We searched everywhere, hoping he was playing hide and seek. But I knew it. I knew he let the dogs in and went outside. He was so proud that he could unlock doors and help.”
Jackson fisted the blanket. “My mom always told me to latch the top lock, the one he couldn’t reach, but it wouldn’t go that night. So instead of just taking two seconds, I left it unlocked and played games with my friends. It’s been eight years since he went missing.”
Avery leaned over and took Jackson’s hand in hers. “There are children in the mountains. The Moon-Eyed didn’t cut on them like me. For some reason, they took care of the little ones. I don’t know if he is there, but once I’m better, we can get them.”
Jackson’s eyes were red, holding back tears. “I wouldn’t want you to go through that.”
“I was already planning on going back for them.” She admitted. “It would be nice to not do it alone.”
An awkward knock pulled them apart. Despite the familiar hum of a delivery drone approaching, Jackson instinctively drew his gun. Unlocking the door, Jackson stepped out into the ultra bright light, coming face to face with the delivery bag. Grease smeared across his cheek as the drone swerved. Doing his best not to knock it from the air, Jackson took the bag from the drone. Avery crept off the bed and was behind Jackson before he could shut the door.
They both settled on his bed. Avery grabbed the remote and turned on the tv for background noise. But neither watched as they devoured their late dinner. Fries and burgers disappeared in record time. Jackson picked up the wrappers and threw away the trash before looking at his phone.
Jackson glanced back at Avery, who was snuggling into the pillows. “We got there a few hours before sunrise. Sleep would do us some good.”
He started to make his way to the other bed before she caught his hand.
“Please stay,” she asked in a small voice.
“I’m not going anywhere.” Jackson squeezed her hand. “Just the other bed.”
Avery had thought about this the whole time they ate. The worst part of being in the mountains was suffering through everything by herself. Not knowing when she’d ever see another soul again.
She felt her cheeks flush. “I mean here, with me. You can sleep under the covers and I’ll sleep on top. I just- I can’t be alone.”
Jackson gave Avery a half smile and kicked off his boots. Digging through his duffle bag, he grabbed his charger and plugged in his phone. As he set the alarm, he looked over at Avery and winked. “As long as you don’t kick in your sleep, we’re good.”
Jackson cut off the lights, and Avery held her breath. She knew it was ridiculous to be afraid of the dark. Especially since she wasn’t alone. She could see the UV lights illuminating the parking lot through the blackout curtains. But still her heart raced.
“I can turn them back on,” Jackson said, settling in the blankets.
Avery shook her head. “It’s okay.”
Instead of turning on the lamp, Jackson got out of bed and turned on the bathroom light. Leaving the door ajar, Avery relaxed as Jackson climbed back into bed.
“There, just in case you need to use the bathroom.” Jackson shifted, tucking a pillow from the other bed between his knees.
Avery sighed, snuggling deep into the sheets. They smelled clean, a far cry from the moldy prison she had been kept in. A bit of jealousy ran through her as she noticed Jackson’s breathing change. Long, deep breaths came and went. Eventually lulling her to sleep.
When the alarm dragged her from sleep, Avery woke to an empty bed. Sweat beaded her brow. Avery had to calm herself before she sent herself into a panic attack. Looking around the room, she found Jackson’s duffle bag still next to the door. She glanced to the bathroom, but the door was wide and the light was off.
Before a full-fledged attack could set in, the door opened. Jackson crept in quietly, holding three cups and a white bag. From the smell of it, that bag contained bacon.
“Did I wake you?” He still whispered.
Avery shoved her hands under the covers, trying to hide how badly they were shaking. “Is that breakfast?”
Jackson placed the coffees and sandwiches on the nightstand. “I didn’t know what you took in your coffee.” He said, pulling out a handful of sugar and creamers from his jacket pocket.
“I don’t drink coffee,” Avery blushed.
“That’s why I brought this, just in case.” He said, handing her the third cup.
“Hot chocolate.” Avery melted back into the pillows. She sighed as the sweet whipped cream melted on her tongue from the warm, smooth, rich chocolate.
The two devoured their breakfast and quickly packed their belongings. Jackson had told her it was about a half a day’s drive to her parents’ town. The narrow, winding roads could make things complicated. Few gas stations connected Nary and Sop’s Run. They had to make every mile count. If it was a straight path, fifty miles would be fine. But the hollers of the Ash Mountains offered no simplicity.
Jackson turned on the road and music blared, drowning out every thought Avery had. It was almost September. That meant everyone back home was about to start their senior year. Her friends were going to worry about what to wear to homecoming and prom. What kind of prom promposal would their crush give them? It all seemed so pointless knowing what lurked under the mountain.
Jackson looked at Avery, a silent question in his eyes. “Avery?” He called. But she was too lost in thought. She bounced her knee nervously. Jackson called her a few more times before reaching out and touching her shoulder.
He broke her from her thoughts. But instead of the calming effect he had hoped for, Avery shrieked.
“What the hell, Avery?” Jackson jerked the steering wheel, pulling his hand back.
Avery grabbed the door as they went off the road. “Sorry.”
Jackson corrected the truck. “What were you thinking about?”
“Life,” said Avery, throwing her hands in the air. “They are going to expect me to go back to high school. How am I supposed to sit in class when I know there are children being kept down there? There might be others like me that were being flayed alive.”
This time, Jackson took Avery’s hand, and she did not scream. Elliot never held her hand. But Jackson wasn’t Elliot. Last night, he didn’t even move in his sleep. Elliot wouldn’t have cared if she was almost flayed alive. He would have been pressuring her, claiming how much he missed her. As if Jackson read her mind, a flicker of worry could be seen in his eyes.
“Don’t pity me,” Avery said.
“I don’t,” Jackson frowned. “There are few people I know who would have survived what you’ve been through. And even less, who would go back to save those left behind.”
Avery soaked in her praise. She wasn’t sure how much she would get when she returned home. Everyone will blame her for it and Elliot will get off free luring another girl from their home. How was she so stupid to believe she was different? That he cared about her, when everyone warned her Elliot would hurt her. Although she doubted that any of her friends expected her to be taken away by Dwayyos.
“Why don’t we just get you home first before you worry about what is expected of you?” Jackson suggested.
Avery looked down and found Jackson tracing lazy circles with his thumb on the top of her hand. “Would you come with me?”
“Yes,” he said without hesitation.
Avery smiled. Jackson was a stranger, yet he settled her when she should have still been reeling in fear from what she had just gone through. Avery inched close enough that she could rest her head on his shoulder. The GPS said they had a few more hours until they were in Sop’s Run. Enough time for her to get some sleep. She would need all her energy to face her parents.
A loud pop tour Avery from her sleep. Jackson did his best to keep control of the truck. But from the sounds of the tire flapping and smacking the side of the truck.
“Shit,” Jackson cursed.
“Do you have a spare?” Avery peered out the window at the blown back tire.
Jackson hit the steering wheel. “No! That was the spare’s spare.”
This was not the place to break down. They were driving on the edge of the mountain, along a road that was too narrow for the truck, let alone to stop. Jackson pulled the truck as close to the wall as possible, giving Avery no space to open her door.
“We walk from here,” said Jackson, checking his phone. A single bar of 3G reception was all he had.
Avery nodded and climbed out after Jackson. He was at the back of the truck, stuffing his duffle bag full of ammo. With the sun high in the sky, they had time. Time to find shelter. Avery didn’t check the GPS before falling asleep. Hell, she didn’t even know how long she had been asleep.
Jackson looked down at Avery and her bare feet. “I can carry you.”
“I’m hurt, not broken.” She said, “besides, you need to save your energy in case you have to carry me and run.”
“Avery, we had a thirty-minute car ride.” Jackson switched the GPS from driving to walking. “Which is now a 5 hour walk.”
“But at least it’s downhill.” She said, pointing to the glowing town below.
Jackson tried to hide his smile as he loaded a short barrel shotgun. He gave a sideway glance to Avery before handing it to her. “You know how to use this?”
Avery clicked on the safety and pointed it down the road. “Point open even at the bad guy and pull trigger?”
He nodded. “But you might want to keep the safety off. You never know what lurks up here.”
“You mean like guys in trucks?” she teased
Jackson slung a crossbow over his back and locked the truck. “Yeah, those are the worst.”
Jackson made Avery walk close to the mountain wall. Even though the road was smooth, the souls of her feet were still tender. Avery kept her eyes trained on the lights below. Sop’s Run. Home. They had made it and yet it was still so far away. There was something weird surrounding the town. Had they dug a moat? Or build a wall? She could not make out the black line from so far away.
“I’m surprised my dad hasn’t sent out a search party,” said Avery, breaking the silence.
At a rustling in the bushes near the trail, Jackson withdrew a pistol from his waistband. But he casually said, “He’s probably waiting on the outskirts.”
Avery flicked off the safety of her shotgun. Maybe Jackson was right. It would be okay to be ready to aim and fire at a moment’s notice. With a sheer drop to the side of the mountain, there was nowhere left to run. “So, what are you going to do now that your mission is done?”
“Who said getting you home meant we were done?” He teased.
But Avery didn’t miss his finger curl around the trigger. Jackson’s eyes were now trained above them. There was a hole in the mountain’s side. Avery stopped. She would walk nowhere near the hole.
“Get behind me,” he told her. “At best, that’s just a bear’s cave, and we die because of a grumpy momma bear.”
“Because I would totally try to pet her cubs — the tiny paws and sweet little noises!” Avery said as she grabbed a hold of the back of Jackson’s shirt.
Jackson turned. Avery had closed her eyes. She was trembling. With his finger, Jackson lifted Avery’s chin. She opened his eyes and met him.
“You are safe,” he said calmly.
She nodded.
Jackson ran his thumb along her chin. “No, you need to say it.”
Avery trembled. “I am safe.”
“Again.” He requested.
Taking a deep breath, Avery steeled herself. “I am safe.”
“With a little more conviction.” Jackson let out a low laugh. “Please.”
Avery pumped the shotgun. “I am safe.”
Jackson smiled, letting go of her to turn back down the path. “Good, just don’t shoot me.”
Avery’s hand lifted to her face to where Jackson’s finger used to be. The spot was still warm.
The rumbling and growls that came from the cave let them both know that there weren’t any adorable bear cubs waiting to be pet. If Avery could have, she would have crawled onto Jackson’s back and asked him to run all the way until they reached the town’s borders. Part of her knew he would do it. But she said she was safe. She needed to believe that right now she was. As long as the evening sun broke through the forest canopy, the demons would stay away. And thanks to those demons, there were enough dead prey animals littering these woods that Avery hoped the predators would leave them alone.
Avery held her breath. The claws scratching at the dark threshold hold made her wounds pulse. It took every bit of strength to put one foot in front of the other. Knowing that the bottom of the mountain was in tumbling distance kept her going. As they passed the opening, Avery thought about sliding down, but she didn’t need to tear up her healing flesh. Jackson, seeming to have read her mind, stopped.
“Get on,” he demanded, dropping to a squat.
“What?” she asked, staring at him.
Jackson patted his back. “The sun is setting and we’re running out of time. Hop on and we’ll make a run for it.”
“But what if something comes after us?” She looked back at the forest.
“Then shoot it.” He said, reminding her of the weapon she was clutching tightly.
Avery looked down at the shotgun. “Can I have the pistol? That would be easier to use while you run.”
Jackson switched guns. He clicked on the safety before shoving it into the duffle bag. “Let’s go Ree.”
“Ree?” puzzled Avery as she hopped onto his back.
“Avery is just so long,” He said, taking off. “Thought I could try something out.”
Avery’s legs squeezed around his waist, and her arms tightened. “You know, they say if you name the strays, it means you keep them.”
“I told you, we got plans once you’re healed.” Jackson was sure-footed with every step.
Avery noticed every root and rock that lined their path. She held her breath again. Not in fear this time, but in excitement. She swore she could smell Johnson’s bakery. They passed the worn welcome sign with the blue chipped paint that highlighted the river that ran through the town. Avery was surprised. While so much looked the same, there was something new. A fortified concert wall loomed before them. From what Avery could see, the wall wrapped around the entire town. As Jackson slowed, Avery gasped.
Hanging before the steel doors was a body. The teen had dark hair and freckles across his nose and cheeks. From his neck was a sign that read murderer. But that wasn’t what stole Avery’s breath.
“Elliot.” She hissed.
Jackson held tighter to Avery’s hands. He saw what she saw too.
His eyes weren’t the same as theirs. No, in the setting sun, they were moon white. Just like those who spent months craving skin from her body.
