Merrick paced the iron cage, counting the steps it took to cross the dark void that made up his world. Three. Three steps before the metal stronghold prevented him from escaping the sludge and filth to the light above. Three steps and he would be free of the tiny red eyes glowing at him from every cornertheir ravenous squeals whispering his demise.

Seizing the bars, Merrick shook them with the fury of a wild animal. Rust bit his skin and he grabbed his chest as pain spiked ...