Narrator

A shoulder.

The side of a head, it was massive, wider than a refrigerator.

Its head sat low on its shoulders, no visible neck.

The face was mostly shadow, but I saw a flat nose and a heavy brow ridge.

I smelled something too, wet dog and old smoke.

Luke made a sound like he was trying not to shout.

Tessa's voice went harsh.

Luke, back, up.

Luke didn't move.

He was locked, like prey in headlights.

The thing across the creek shifted.

It didn't step out fully, it just watched.

Then it made a sound, not a whoop, not a growl.

A low, rumbling exhale that vibrated in my chest.

And then, from behind us, on our side of the creek, a human voice said, cheerful and close,

y'all seeing it too i spun so fast i almost fell two men stood at the edge of our clearing not hikers not backpackers the same two from the ridge glenn and the younger man rifles in hand casual like they'd always been there luke's head whipped around eyes wild

What?

How did you... Glenn smiled.

We walk, he said.

He lifted his rifle slightly, not aiming at us, but aiming past us, across the creek.