Swamped

Of course, they might not be fighting. All they've done so far is cry out. It might be a mating ritual for all you know. Their faces aren't especially expressive, so you're having a hard time telling if they're aggressive towards each other at all. But it doesn't make that much of a difference - you'd prefer not to be around for that either.

Whatever it is they're doing, they seem to be taking their time about getting started. Still just crying out and only taking tentative steps.

Wait. What if they're simply trying to communicate? Perhaps they want to know if they can trust each other. If that's the case, you definitely don't want to interrupt, or they might both decide you're a problem.

So you just move a step closer to the book whenever the beasts move. They each give you a glance the first time you try it, but they don't seem to give it any further thought and just resume their cries.

A few steps later, you're within an arm's length of the book. To avoid startling the beasts, though, you slowly crouch before reaching out to take it. Then you slowly get up, and feel something cold and metal on your neck.

"I'll be taking that, thank you."

It's Rebecca's voice. How is that possible?

"Taking what?" you ask innocently.

"Don't play games with me. Hand over that book now, and no one gets hurt. Just hold it behind your back. And don't turn around."

Not much you can do except cooperate. You do manage to get a glance at the book's title, though: Fall of Alexandria.

You feel the book leave your hand, and the pressure lift from your neck.

"Thank you. I'd advise you to make your way home now. There's likely to be trouble tonight. Don't move until you hear the bell."

And then silence. You don't even hear footsteps. After what feels like a minute later, a bell rings. You turn around, perhaps hoping you might find some sort of clue.

But all you find is Sunflower, standing eerily still, eyes wide open in shock.