The car sped across the road, the loud roar of its engines disturbing the peace and serenity of the night. Driving inside was a man who was filled with joy. A joy of a successful raid. It was Julian's assailant. The man who had struck him and hijacked his car. The man smiled as he looked around the passenger seat and then to the back of the car. He had indeed struck gold. And all he just had to do was point his beloved gun towards the victim. That was it. No negotiations. No bargain. No sweat. No stupid contract signings. That was how he survived for the past ten years since he lost his home and family. He had delved into the underworld and joined the demons disguised as criminals who robbed people of their hard earnings. This car could cover a lot and sustain him for a very long time. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. It rang for a few seconds before it was answered.
"Hello, Earl." A throaty deep voice called from the other end.
"Lorne, my man," The mugger, Earl, smiled. "Have I got a deal for you."
"Deal?" Lorne questioned. "What are we talking about here."
"I'm talking about a car," Earl replied with a laugh. "Got it from a poor young sucker."
" Are you serious?"
"Of course, I am. The car is a moving piece of mint. You're going to love it."
"Now this is what I like to hear. Where are you?"
"I'm on my way to your place. Have your boys ready."
"Will do."
There was a clicking sound on the other end. Lorne had ended the call.
Earl reached over to the radio and switched it on. A smile appeared on his face as a familiar song began to play.
"Now this is what I'm talking about," He cheered. "It seems the universe is with me today."
He drummed his fingers steadily on the steering wheel as he sang along.
Midway into the lyrics, a screeching sound was suddenly heard within the radio.
"What in the blazes? " Earl frowned, reaching over to smack the radio.
The screeching sound persisted and soon a voice was heard within the radio.
"One of the men."
"What in heaven's name is this?" Earl sneered as he changed the station. To his utter surprise, the next station replayed the same voice.
"One of the men." The voice was darker this time.
Earl's anger was quickly replaced with fear. He frantically hit the next button multiple times, but each station gave the same result. Cold sweat broke out all over his body as he heard the next words.
"One of the men.
Where your fate lies.
It shall happen then.
You are sacrifice. "
The voice sounded louder each time. Earl looked around in fear. He was alone in the moving car. Suddenly the radio sparked, startling him.
"Holy mother of—" He shrieked.
He barely completed his sentence as smoke began to come out of the radio. Within seconds, it filled the car. Coughing slightly, Earl marched the brakes, but the car did not halt. Instead, it accelerated. The movement sent him reeling backwards with the back of his head hitting the seat.
"What in bloody hell is this?! " He cursed, squinting his eyes as he tried to see through the smoke. "What's wrong with this car?"
The smoke dissipated within seconds. Earl looked to his side and let out a cry of terror at what he saw. The dark cloaked figure sat beside him staring onwards at the road ahead as the car sped. The figure's cloak was pulled back to reveal a burnt and distorted face. Its eyes were plain white, devoid of pupils. Maggots and worms crawled out of its skin. Turning sideways to Earl, it smiled widely, showing sharp white teeth that shone in the dark.
Earl jumped in his seat in terror. Reaching for the door, he tried to open it. He didn't care that the car was speeding. He had to take his chances. However, the door did not budge. Earl swallowed and turned around to meet the horrifying figure's face mere inches from his.
"Sacrifice!" It shrieked.