Chapter 5 - THE EAST WING CORRIDOR
Mark left Elena secured in the heavy zip-ties he retrieved from his study desk drawer.
He walked briskly up the grand wooden staircase, the sound of his leather shoes echoing through the silent mansion.
The three children followed closely behind him, their matching sky-blue silk pajamas glowing faintly in the dim hallway light.
At the end of the east wing corridor stood the massive mahogany door, sealed shut for over half a year.
The delicate silver necklace still rested on the floor, serving as a heartbreaking beacon of hope in the dark.
Mark knelt before the heavy brass keyhole, his heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird.
He inserted the ornate, vintage gold-colored key into the lock, feeling the ancient tumblers shift into place.
With a deep, steady breath, he turned the key clockwise until a loud, metallic click echoed down the hall.
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Lily buried her face in her brother's shoulder, holding her breath as the heavy door began to swing open.
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