We ran. Faster. Deeper into the trees.
After what felt like an eternity, we reached our destination—a massive estate hidden within the thick forest.
Then, a voice.
A single, chilling pause—followed by the sharp, unmistakable crack of gunfire.
“W-We have to get out of here! It’s not safe. H-He killed Dr. Chel—”
I insisted on running closer where I heard gunshots. The mansion loomed ahead, its once-pristine facade now menacing under the moonlight. The front doors were slightly ajar, and the faint sound of voices drifted out. As I crept closer, I recognized one of them—Gabriel.
Calvin pulled me behind a column. “You’re walking into a trap,” he whispered, his voice harsh.
“I don’t care,” I shot back. “If he hurts her—”
“He’s insane, Kelsey. Don’t underestimate him.”
I peeked around the corner, my stomach twisting at the sight. There he was, Gabriel Carson, holding Dr. Chelsea at gunpoint. Her usually composed face was pale, her lips pressed into a thin line.