The underground chamber froze in terror.
One pair of glowing eyes became three.
Then five.
Then dozens.
Deep beneath the ancient estate, shadows began moving slowly inside the darkness below.
And every single one of them felt alive.
Emily's breathing stopped completely.
Because she could feel them.
Not physically.
Mentally.
Like invisible threads connecting her to the creatures hidden beneath the estate.
The glowing marks across her arms burned painfully brighter.
The voices inside her head multiplied instantly.
Wake us.
Lead us.
Come home.
Emily grabbed her head with a soft cry.
"No…"
Alexander immediately pulled her closer protectively.
"Emily, stay with me."
His voice cut through the chaos slightly.
Enough for her to breathe again.
Enough for her to focus.
But not enough to stop the horrifying feeling growing inside her chest.
Because deep down—
Part of her understood the creatures below.
