CHAPTER 309
KATYA POV
The door opened without a sound. Neither of us moved. For one long second, we simply stood there, staring through the narrow opening as if the hallway beyond might suddenly change its mind and slam shut again.
My heartbeat was so loud I could hear it in my ears, I swallowed. Chiara leaned closer, peering through the gap.
"Do you see anyone?" she whispered.
I shook my head.
"No."
"Good."
She pushed the door open another few inches. The corridor outside was empty. The lights overhead glowed steadily, washing the hallway in soft yellow light that somehow made everything feel even stranger.
Too normal.
As though the world hadn't fallen apart just beyond these walls. I stepped out first.
Slowly. Every instinct screamed at me to run, but something stronger told me not to. Running made noise. Noise attracted attention. And right now, I had no idea whose attention that might be.
