The doorframe shattered.
Splinters exploded into the air as the Reaper burst into the storage room.
Its hulking form barely fit through the doorway, its blackened claws scraping against the concrete as it lunged forward.
Thomas reacted instantly. He sidestepped the charge, grabbing Erica's arm and shoving her toward the ground.
"Go! Crawl under it! NOW!"
Erica didn't hesitate.
As the Reaper snapped its jaws, she dropped to her stomach and rolled beneath its massive body.
The creature's razor-sharp talons swiped just inches above her back, missing her by a fraction.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she scrambled forward, her hands and knees skidding against the rough rooftop surface.
The moment she was clear, she sprang to her feet and sprinted toward the stairwell.
Thomas, however, had no time to retreat.
The Reaper turned on him instantly, its grotesque face twisting into a snarl.
