ALDRICH’S POV

Silence stretched in the secret room. It was quiet—quiet enough to hear the sound of a pin drop. The kind of silence that echoes with dread, confusion, and worry. The kind of fear that leaves you torn between hope and defeat. The kind of fear that echoes in your heavy chest and makes every breath feel like a battle that is far from ending. A bloody battle!

I sat with my hands clenched into tight fists, my knuckles white as snow. I unfolded my fists and rested my elbows on my knees, my fingers laced together as I stared at the fragile woman lying on the bed.

I...