Chapter 4: The Tale of Mary, The Necromancer, Part Three

The night draped Starlight City in an inky shroud, and within the confines of Vee's house, the atmosphere was muted.

Mary lay still in the guest room, the dim light casting shadows on the walls. In the silence, Mary's occasional whimpering broke through. 

In her dream, Mary found herself navigating the twisted alleys of a dark street, the air thick with an oppressive unease.

Mary's breaths came in short gasps, the rhythmic pounding of her heart an ominous drumbeat. Every alley stretched endlessly, their walls closing in with every step. The distant footsteps, once a mere murmur, echoed now in her ears like her own relentless heartbeat. 

As panic tightened its grip, Mary quickened her pace.

The shadows cast by the dimly lit street seemed to writhe and contort, taking on grotesque shapes. Each flicker of movement, every distorted silhouette, fueled the palpable sense of dread.