Blogtober 2025, Day 12: Unbearable

 

Lucy's Path: Chapter Twelve

Emily stood perfectly still, her head tilted like she was listening to something none of them could hear. The amulet’s glow pulsed through her fingers, throwing faint light over the stone child’s face.

“Give it back,” she said softly. Not a request—an order. “She’s waiting.”

Mark took a step forward. “Emily, we’re leaving. Now.”

The woods disagreed. Every branch seemed to lean closer, creaking in slow rhythm. The air thickened, humming low and steady, like the world was holding its breath.

Sarah’s light swept across the carvings. The gargoyle shapes clung to the stone child’s shoulders, their mouths split wide in silent laughter. “Emily,” she whispered, “does it hurt?”

Emily blinked, confusion flashing through her borrowed calm. “It doesn’t hurt. It’s just… loud.” She pressed her free hand to her ear. “She’s happy we came. She celebrates the ones who listen.”

Tyler flinched as the hum deepened, vibrating in his ribs. “We’re not listening—we’re getting out.”

Emily turned to them, eyes wet but distant. “You can’t leave yet. She hasn’t finished her song.”

The sound rose higher, sharp and metallic, an unbearable pitch that made them all stumble. The trees bent inward, leaves trembling like frightened hands.

Mark reached for her, shouting over the noise. “Drop it!”

Emily smiled faintly. “If I do,” she said, “we’ll never find our way home again.”

And then, the amulet flared.