Liora didn't move.
She barely dared to breathe.
The notebook rested tightly against her chest as the silence above stretched into something unbearable.
Then—
Another slow step.
Wood creaked overhead.
The stranger was still there.
Waiting.
Listening.
---
Liora glanced around the tiny chamber.
There was only one staircase.
One exit.
Nowhere to hide.
Her fingers tightened around her phone.
Should she call someone?
Caelan?
The police?
Before she could decide...
A beam of light swept across the cracks of the trapdoor.
Someone had a flashlight.
They were searching.
---
"I know you're down there."
The man's voice came again.
Calm.
Patient.
"I don't want to hurt you."
Liora's heart pounded faster.
People who said that...
Usually couldn't be trusted.
She stayed silent
