Lydia's POV:

I had finally found the golden knife. After searching high and low through the dingy warehouse, I finally found it. Now, with the knife firmly in my hands, I make my way back to the reception area. As I do, my thoughts shift toward Aneira. I wonder if she found the other golden knife. Should I ask her? Well, I could. But what if she's trying to sneak past some monsters? I don't want to call and her get in trouble. But then again, I haven't seen any monsters around here. Well, besides crows that is. Maybe it's safe to call her. My hands go to my pocket and pull out the walkie-talkie. With the press of a button, I begin to speak into it.

"Aneira. Aneira, can you hear me? I've got the golden knife from the warehouse. What's the status on your knife?" I ask. Sounds of static begin to pour out of the radio. For a few seconds, I waited. My ears eager to pick up my best friend's voice. However, despite my eagerness, Aneira's voice did not sound. Huh, that's weird. Aneira never leaves me hanging like that. Maybe I should try again.

"Aneira. Aneira, do you hear me? I've got the golden knife. Is everything okay on your end?" Again, static greets my ears. Something's wrong. Aneira hasn't responded. Did something happen to her? Should I investigate? I don't know. If Aneira's okay, then I don't want to go in there and disturb her. But if she isn't, I don't want to just stand here. Hmmm... well, maybe I shouldn't worry. After all, her not responding couldn't just mean trouble right? Maybe Aneira's doing some investigating. Yeah, maybe that's it. Aneira is extremely curious after all. Maybe she found some information and is looking at it. Yeah, Aneira's probably fine. So maybe I shouldn't worry. Yeah...

Immediately, I turn back around and go to the reception area door. It would probably be better if I waited in there. After all, waiting out in the open isn't safe. Especially during times like this. When I approach the door, my fingers wrap around it's cool golden frame. I go to open it. But at the last second, a voice stops me. Chills go through my body like a wave of ice. Goosebumps erupt from the surface of my skin. Feelings of familiarity and shock escape from my heart. That's...! No... it can't be! It's...

"Hello, my beloved." My jaw drops like a heavy stone. A gasp escapes from me. He's... no... that's not true! He died two weeks ago! That's not him. But then again... only one person has ever called me his beloved. Slowly, I turn around. Waves of denial, shock, and sadness hit me like a thousand bricks. I turn around. When I do, my eyes spot him. Immediately, my sadness and denial clear away. There's no mistaking it. He's...

"Terrance?" There's no mistake. The slicked back blonde hair, the sunglasses. And the fact he called me his beloved. That's Terrance... that's really him... but how? He died two weeks ago... I saw it. He died in my arms. How is he alive?

"It's been a while my beloved Lydia" Terrance said.

"How... how are you alive? I thought you..." Terrance cut me off.

"Died? It certainly seemed that way didn't it Lydia? To be honest with you, I fully expected to die that night. That night, I felt death's cold unfeeling hands reach out for me. However, despite what I expected, I didn't die. Instead of dying and mutating like the rest, the X-Virus brought me back from the brink of death. I lived and escaped from New Haven. It's good to see you escaped my beloved. I was concerned that you didn't make it in time" Terrance said. So Terrance is okay? Thank goodness! I guess I didn't lose everyone at New Haven after all! I have Aneira and now Terrance! Thank goodness everyone's okay!

A sudden smile quickly erupts on my face. Happiness begins to pour out from inside me. In response, my feet begin to move. Their pace quickening with each step. Running towards Terrance, I quickly coiled my arms around his shoulders. When I do, I noticed another pair of arms coil around my shoulders. Their gentle embrace slightly squeezing my shoulders.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Terrance. Although, you could have contacted me you know." I say, my arms coiling tighter around Terrance.

"I know. I apologize my beloved. These past two weeks have been very hectic. A lot of preparation has gone into this endeavor. But it will all be worth it once I find it." I see. So just like Aneira and I, Terrance has had it rough too. Well, I guess none of us has had it easy. But hey, at least we're all alive and safe. That's the main thing.

But hold on a minute, Terrance said something about it. Is Terrance trying to find something? Probably. Maybe Aneira and I can help! After all, we're looking for something ourselves. Maybe after we find the golden knives, her and I can help Terrance find what he's looking for!

"Hey Terrance, are you looking for something?" I ask him. Just in case, I want to make sure I heard right.

"Oh, you heard that. Yes, my beloved, I am looking for something."

"Do you think Aneira and I can help you out? I mean after all, we were friends back before New Haven. We can help you. Well, if you want" I say. Terrance's hand suddenly touches my hair. With a gentle touch, his hand grasps several loose black strands.

"Unfortunately, you can't help me with my search. It's too dangerous. Not to mention the fact I don't want you to be involved with such things. It's for the best if you don't help." Oh, I see. Well, at least I tried. That counts for something right? Terrance's gentle embrace tightened slightly. I go to speak, however, my voice was cut off by a gargled sound. Immediately, Terrance's arms uncoil from my shoulders. My arms uncoil too. When they do, Terrance reaches for his walkie-talkie. But not before he quickly whispers something in my ear.

"My apologizes, Lydia. It will only be just a second." I nod and watch as he walks away. As he does, a sound comes from my radio.

"Ly... dia!" the voice says, its words almost inaudible. Huh? Is that Aneira? Without a second thought, I grab my radio.

"Aneira? Aneira! Is that you?" I ask, my voice becoming frantic.

"Ly... dia! HELP!" Oh no! Aneira! I got to get to her! Immediately, I turn the radio off and look over at Terrance. I should let him know about Aneira.

"I'm sorry Terrance, but I can't stay here. I must find Aneira! I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Just be careful okay. I don't want anything to happen to you" Terrance says, a slight worry emanating from his voice. Immediately, I nod.

"I will." With that, I take off towards the garden. Unaware of what horrors I'll find.