Chapter 1

Daniel’s POV

I stepped into my best friend’s house, the door clicking shut behind me with a soft echo that made the empty place feel bigger than it was.

Mike had said his dad would be around but the whole house felt quiet at first, just the low hum of the AC and my backpack sliding off my shoulder onto the floor.

Weekend crash at his place sounded perfect, no parents breathing down my neck, just some games and junk food.

I kicked off my shoes and started down the hallway when I heard it.

A deep, heavy groan. Low and rough, like someone straining through something intense....