It's only attacks at night

Chapter 2: A Deeper Darkness (Continued)

Zack and Ethan exchanged a glance before both officers moved toward the entrance, their hands instinctively resting on their holsters. The bang from inside had shaken the quiet night, but the eerie calm outside made it feel like the sound had come from another world entirely. They passed through the security checkpoint, where an officer was attempting to calm down a small crowd of confused and anxious guests.

"Everything alright?" Zack asked as he approached the officer, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.

"No, sir," the officer replied, his eyes wide with concern. "We've had reports of more noises coming from below deck—it's like... like something's trying to break free. We've got some of the crew trying to secure the area, but people are starting to panic." He glanced over his shoulder at the open doors leading down into the belly of the ship. "Some guests are saying it's just a prank, but that banging... it's not normal."

Zack didn't wait for further explanation. He motioned for Ethan to follow, and the two of them strode toward the door. The sound of the crew trying to settle the crowd grew fainter behind them, replaced by the muffled thrum of the ship's engines and the uneasy silence that lay just beneath the surface.

As they descended into the dimly lit corridor of the lower deck, the air grew heavier, charged with a palpable tension. The walls were lined with cabins, each one identical to the next, their doors closed and seemingly untouched. No signs of life. No movement.

"Something's not right," Ethan muttered, his voice low. "The crew said no one was supposed to be down here... why would anyone be hiding?"

Zack nodded but didn't answer. His mind was focused on the eerie stillness. The deeper they went, the stronger the feeling became, like a weight pressing against his chest. And then came the noise again.

A loud, sharp screech, followed by a low, rumbling growl that seemed to reverberate through the walls. It was the same noise Zack had heard back at the house earlier—a sound so alien, so unnatural, that it made his skin crawl.

"Where's it coming from?" Zack muttered, his eyes scanning the narrow hallway ahead.

"I don't know, but I think it's close." Ethan's voice was tight with nervous energy, and his steps had slowed as he fell into line behind Zack.

Zack reached the first door and turned the handle. The door creaked open slowly, revealing a small, dimly lit room. It was empty, the bed neatly made, the furnishings undisturbed. No signs of a struggle. Yet, the air felt wrong. He stepped inside, scanning every corner. His flashlight swept over the room, landing on a large, metal vent in the far corner, which was slightly ajar.

Zack's instincts flared. He moved toward the vent, crouching to get a closer look. His hand hovered over the edge of the opening, and he hesitated. Something inside the vent shifted, the faintest of sounds—like a whisper.

He pulled back.

"Zack?" Ethan's voice cut through the tension, his concern evident. "We need to move."

But Zack didn't respond right away. The whisper seemed to be calling to him, drawing him deeper into the ship. His flashlight flickered, casting a brief shadow across the walls. There was something in the air—an energy, a presence, like the ship itself was holding its breath.

Suddenly, the growl came again, louder this time. It was closer, vibrating through the floor beneath their feet. The air seemed to shift, becoming thick and oppressive. Zack's heart pounded as he instinctively drew his gun.

"Get ready," Zack said, his voice a low growl. "Stay close."

He motioned for Ethan to follow as they moved further down the hallway, every step cautious, every noise amplified in the silence. The faint whispering came again, this time louder, almost pleading. It was a sickening sound, like something was desperately trying to speak—if only it could be understood.

They reached the end of the corridor, where a heavy door stood slightly ajar. Beyond it, Zack could hear the sound of shuffling, low and steady, like something was moving just out of sight. The growl had stopped for a moment, replaced by a strange, unsettling quiet.

With one last look at Ethan, Zack pushed the door open, his gun raised. The room beyond was vast, filled with crates and discarded furniture. At first glance, it appeared empty, but Zack knew better than to trust appearances. The shadows in the corners seemed to shift, and a cold draft blew through the room, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Stay alert," Zack whispered, his voice tight with concentration.

They moved deeper into the room, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet beneath them. Zack's eyes flicked from corner to corner, scanning every inch of the dim space. The sound of something—no, someone—moving reached his ears. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was enough to make his blood run cold.

"Did you hear that?" Ethan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zack nodded slowly. The sound was faint, like the shuffle of feet on the floor. But then, the noise stopped abruptly, replaced by the sharp sound of something metal scraping across the floor.

Before Zack could react, something moved—faster than he could see, faster than he could respond. A dark shape flitted across the far corner of the room, vanishing into the shadows before Zack could even aim his gun. His heart raced. It was too quick to be human. Too silent. Whatever it was, it was hunting them.

Suddenly, the silence shattered as the door behind them slammed shut with a violent force, locking them in.

"Shit!" Zack cursed, spinning toward the door.

But it was no use. The lock had engaged with a metallic click, and no matter how much they rattled the handle, the door wouldn't budge.

Ethan looked panicked, his eyes wide as he scanned the room. "We're trapped. Zack, what the hell is going on?"

Zack didn't answer right away. He was too focused on the low, rumbling growl that had returned—louder this time, more distinct. It was coming from behind them.

His hand tightened around his gun. "Stay calm. Don't make any sudden movements. We need to find another way out."

But in the deep, suffocating silence of the lower deck, it was already too late. The creature had found them.