Jake was experiencing the worst moment of his life.
His legs trembled with every step, his lungs felt as though they were on fire, and the darkness behind him was rapidly devouring everything in its path.
To make matters worse, he was carrying a Guide over his shoulder! Every step felt like an unbearable struggle, and his strength was rapidly dwindling.
He was going to die.
The realization struck him with terrifying clarity.
He was actually going to die here!
A breathless, almost hysterical laugh escaped him as he forced his legs to move faster.
Fuck!
He hadn't even had a girlfriend yet!
The darkness crept closer.
"NO... I REFUSE TO DIE LIKE THIS!"
Summoning the last scraps of strength left in his body, Jake let out a desperate scream and lunged forward. Just as the darkness brushed against his body, he threw himself and the Guide over his shoulder through the portal.
They crashed onto the ground outside.
