Cedrick's lungs burned as he ran, each step stabbing his foot where the splinter had buried itself.
Cedrick: "Damn it… Mom, Dad, Rafael—" His voice caught. No. I can't think like that. I have to survive.
A sudden hand shot out from the shadows, yanking him into a narrow, stinking alley. His back slammed against damp stone.
???? : "Shhh!" a sharp whisper hissed in his ear. "You little rascal—why are you outside?!"
Cedrick blinked up.
Cedrick : "Aunt Ballerina?"
Her eyes were wild, scanning the street beyond.
Ballerina : "Quiet, Cedrick. One sound, and it finds us."
Cedrick : "The curse—" he swallowed, "Aunt, we should be running, not hiding. It's close."
A slow, mocking clap echoed from deeper in the alley.
??????: "Well, well… look who's wandered in. Ballerina's nephew."
Ballerina stiffened.
Ballerina : "Grignard. Not now. I'm not in the mood for your filth. I need to keep my nephew alive."
Cedrick's eyes darted between them.
Cedrick : "Aunt… who is this?"
The man stepped forward, smile sharp as a blade.
Grignard: "Your aunt's boyfriend."
Ballerina ; "Oh, stop with your nonsense," Ballerina snapped, pulling Cedrick behind her. "You're not worth my time."
Somewhere far off, something howled—low, hungry, and too close.