Annabelle’s hands trembled as she helped Martha into the car. The old woman was frail, her breathing shallow, but her eyes were filled with a quiet strength. “Annabelle,” Martha whispered, her voice weak but urgent. “You need to go back for him.”
Annabelle’s heart raced, her mind torn between staying with Martha and rushing back to Derek. “But… what if something happens to you? I can’t leave you alone.”
Martha reached out, her thin hand gripping Annabelle’s wrist with surprising strength. “I’ll be fine. Lock me in the car if you have to. But Derek… he’s blind, Annabelle. He can’t fight them off alone.”
Annabelle’s chest tightened, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. She glanced back at the manor, her heart pounding. The thought of Derek facing whoever—or whatever—was inside alone
