“

This is the “devil of the sea”.

“

“You try to scream. But your mouth will not move. Soon you discover that you cannot move your body, either. All of the straining and the willpower only lets you blink, or maybe move an index finger, if you’re lucky. There is no escape from this.”

“

The crevice in front of him began to widen until he could see into it and he realized the opening was emitting a faint red light, almost pink. Squinting into the light, he could just barely make out the shape of something…

“

I knew the apartment wasn’t empty the moment I stepped in the door. And the moment the smell it hit my nose, my face furrowed in disgust. It was harsh and metallic, the smell of something that shouldn’t be there.

“

“It floated above me for two seconds and then entered my body again.”

“

I’ve written about a lot of really weird shit. Researching said shit has led me to engage in some pretty questionable activities in the past: breaking into abandoned government installations, consuming mind-altering chemicals, and even making OKCupid profiles. But I’ve never felt like my life was truly in jeopardy until the time I tried to write about a video game.

“

That night, I had a nightmare I can’t forget to this day.

“

Stephanie’s parents were hysterical when they brought her in.