Page 19 of Hunter's Moon

“Tharion,” Lina said, her voice trembling. “We can’t?—”

A piercing shriek cut through the air. I spun around, pushing Lina behind me.

The source of the glow came into view. My eyes widened in shock and revulsion.

Insects. Massive, bioluminescent insects. Their segmented bodies glowed an eerie green, compound eyes flashing with an unnatural intelligence. Mandibles clicked ominously as they advanced.

“Oh god,” Lina whispered.

I backed up, pressing her against the rock fall. “Stay behind me.”

The lead insect lunged forward. I lashed out with a powerful kick, connecting with its head. It skittered back, but two more took its place.

“We need a weapon,” I growled, scouring the ground for anything useful.

Lina grabbed a loose piece of metal piping from the debris. “Will this work?”

I snatched it from her hands, swinging it in a wide arc. The makeshift weapon connected with a satisfying crunch, sending one of the creatures flying back into its companions.

“Good thinking.” My lips curled into a fierce grin. “Now, when I say run, you run. Got it?”

She nodded, lips pressed together firmly.

I charged forward, swinging the pipe like a madman. The insects scattered, chittering in alarm. “Run!”

We sprinted back the way we came, my ears straining for any sound of pursuit. The intersection loomed ahead.

“Left,” I barked, steering Lina down the new passage.

The tunnel widened, allowing us to pick up speed. My lungs burned, but I pushed harder, determined to put as much distance between us and those things as possible.

“I think... I think we lost them,” Lina panted.

A thunderous rumble shook the tunnel. Rocks and dust rained down from the ceiling.

“Cave-in!” I shouted. “Move!”

We ran faster, desperation lending us speed. The rumbling grew louder, threatening to overwhelm us.

Suddenly, the passage ahead collapsed. A wall of rock and debris crashed down, blocking our escape.

I skidded to a stop, pulling Lina close to shield her from the falling stones. When the dust settled, I looked up.

A small opening remained at the top of the rockfall. It would be tight, but possible.

“There,” I said, pointing. “We can make it.”

Without hesitation she began climbing. I boosted her up, my hands lingering on her waist longer than necessary.

As Lina wiggled through the opening, I heard the chittering sounds growing closer. I turned, brandishing the pipe, ready to defend our escape route.

The first insect rounded the corner, its antennae twitching wildly. I swung the pipe, connecting with a satisfying crunch. More poured in behind it.

“Tharion!” Lina called from above. “Hurry!”

I backed up towards the rockfall, swinging the pipe to keep the creatures at bay. With one last mighty swing, I tossed the weapon aside and scrambled up the pile of debris.

The opening was tight, but I forced my way through, ignoring the scrapes and bruises. Lina grabbed my arms, helping to pull me clear.

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