Chapter 3 - The Mysterious Door Upstairs Slowly Cracks Wide Open
Before David could close the distance between them, a sharp metallic click echoed from the second-floor landing.
The heavy oak door at the end of the dark hallway swung slowly outward on its polished brass hinges.
A chilling draft swept down the grand staircase, carrying the faint scent of antiseptic and old paper.
Victoria turned pale as chalk, her manicured fingers flying up to cover her open, gasping mouth.
“No... that’s impossible; the security locks were engaged on a dual-authorization timer,” Victoria whispered in horror.
Clara buried her face against David’s chest, too terrified to look up toward the darkened upper corridor.
David gripped the wooden banister tightly, his knuckles turning stark white as he watched the shadows move.
A fragile silhouette stepped out of the dark doorway, leaning heavily against the brass handrail for support.
The crystal chandeliers hummed softly above, casting a brilliant glow across the pale, exhausted face looking down.
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It was a face David hadn't seen in over two agonizing years of desperate searching and unanswered calls.
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