Elaine’s hand trembled as she pushed open the heavy wooden door.
The room felt like it swallowed her whole. She closed it quickly behind her.
Her fingers shook so badly she could barely turn the lock. Metal scraped against metal once. Twice. Before clicking.
She pressed her forehead against the door and exhaled without realizing she had been holding her breath. Her knees felt weak. Her palms were damp with fear.
Rantan’s words echoed in her mind like a curse.
"I will kill you myself."
She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed harder against the door, trying to push the voice away. It did not work. It stayed. Lurking. Threatening.
She turned slowly. The room looked nothing like she expected.
Tall windows were framed with heavy purple curtains, blocking the daylight completely.
A ma
