Maelis’s POV

It was very dark down here.

Without Rosa, the darkness felt even worse, but I kept going anyway. I figured if the door above was opened with electricity then, there had to be lights somewhere.

I stepped carefully, one foot after the other, until my shoe hit the flat floor at the bottom. And fortunately,

The flood lights flickered overhead, lighting up the room instantly.

I blinked, momentarily blinded. But when I opened them right back, my eyes had adjusted to the brightness so I went into full scan mode instantly.

The room was simple. Just three shelves stacked high with folders and a plain desk with a...