Chapter 9

• RAFAEL
• The deafening crack of the first shot reverberates through the room, the force of it nearly toppling me. My eyes dart to the gun, confusion etched across my face as I realize my finger wasn't even on the trigger. Before I can process this, a second shot rings out as if in defense, but it's quickly drowned out by piercing screams that fill the air, echoing off the walls of the dark space.
• Panic surges through me as I hastily toss the weapon to the floor, the cold metal clattering against the hardwood. My eyes frantically scan the pitch-black room, searching for the source of the heart-wrenching cries. The darkness seems to press in from all sides, suffocating in its intensity.