A sudden blow to his body jolted him awake, and he clenched his fists, raising them in the air! Ches laughed as he yanked the cloth from Andrew’s ear, snapping him instantly out of his slumber. He blinked, disoriented, only to find the three men watching him, laughing.


<< Fists up and ready for battle, huh? That’s the spirit boy! >> Milo shouted, tossing Andrew’s damp clothes in his direction. << Come on, get yourself ready! >>


<< Why are you so scared ? >>  Ches taunted with a teasing grin.


<< Sorry if I’m not handling my first encounter with a demon, or my part in an invisible hunt, quite as well as you! I mean, I didn’t believe at that stuff…>> Andrew retorted with irritation lacing his every move as he quickly dressed. The cold fabric made him shiver but the thick warmth of his leather jacket enveloped him in seconds.


<< You know, you don’t have to come with us..>> Frankie said calmly << Just because we saved you doesn’t mean you owe us anything.. >>


<< And don’t insult us like that! >> Ches shot back, offended << Calling our hunt invisible. At least we’re trying to make a difference! >> he yanked away the blankets Andrew had been lying on << These are mine, by the way! >> he added, stalking off.


<< Look.. I didn’t mean to disrespect anyone.>> Andrew mumbled, pulling on his backpack. He slung the shotgun over his shoulder, then asked hesitantly << If I’d asked you to help me get out of the forest instead, would you have agreed ? >>


The three men exchanged glances.


<< No >> Milo replied bluntly.


<< That would have delayed our purpose >> Frankie explained, already walking ahead.


<< You are welcome to join us though.. >> Milo said << And honestly, I suggest you do. Day or night, danger is always lurking out here. And when we finally reach our target, then we’ll might help you leave.. once and for all..>> he finished and followed Frankie.


<< Choose wisely, >> Ches muttered as he averted his gaze, then hurried after the other two, taking light, bouncing steps to catch up.


Andrew stood still, watching them walk away. He glanced back at the dense forest behind him. As much as he disliked it, he knew he had only one option: to move forward. He sprinted after them, leaving behind the eerie sounds of cracking branches and dry leaves without daring to investigate their source. He clutched the shotgun to his chest, though he knew it offered no real protection- no bullet could defeat that creature!


<< So, what’s the next step ? >> he asked as he caught up to Milo.


Frankie looked at him with disdain, while Milo gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder- a gesture Andrew interpreted as approval for his decision to follow them. << We play her game, but with our own rules! >> Milo explained.


<< What do you mean? >>


<< First, we will summon her..>>


<< How? >>


<< By singing >> Milo said holding up the small, tattered book.


<< And after that? >>


<< After that, I offer myself as bait by letting her cast her spell on me while the others trap her! >> Ches shouted excitedly, his eyes glinting with vengeance.


<< And where are we headed now? >>


<< To where we found you..>> Milo replied, his eyes fixed ahead << The frozen lake >>