Emma's POV
The faint echo of footsteps grew louder, each sound like the ticking of a clock winding down.
My grip on Jeff's arm tightened, my pulse a frantic drumbeat in my ears. Across from me, Mrs. Williams stood rigid, clutching the edge of the desk as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded.
"Stay behind me," Jeff whispered his voice firm but soothing, a sharp contrast to the chaos in my head.
Every creak and groan of the office seemed heightened, every shadow more scary.
I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the darkened glass window, I was wide-eyed, trembling, and vulnerable. This wasn’t me, I wasn’t supposed to be this helpless.
The door creaked open, and I stopped breathing. A shadow stretched across the floor like a predator stalking its prey, my heart hammered again
