Eleanor grabbed Ethan's neck, trembling hard, her voice choked with fear. "Martin, it's too dark... I can't handle this..."
Her mind instantly flashed back to those terrifying days in the asylum.
That place thrived on torment—killing the lights without warning, unleashing a crowd of mad patients to tear into one another.
The blackout brought it all back like a nightmare on loop.
"Don't be scared. I'm here," Ethan murmured. "It's just me. Just Martin."
Holding her gently, Ethan carried her back to the bedroom, trying to soothe her. "There's no one else, sis. I'm not going anywhere—I'll keep you safe. Where did you fall? Did you hurt yourself?"
Just then, the backup lights snapped on. The living room and bedroom were suddenly awash in light again.
Ethan leaned in, worr
