Elias glanced around the shadowy hallway of the old house, then turned to Maya and the bodyguards, speaking in a low, urgent voice.

“They’re upstairs… and it sounds like they’re distracted. Keep quiet.”

Maya gave a tense nod, her fingers clenched tightly at her sides.

The place smelled of dust and mold. Peeling wallpaper curled off the walls, and broken picture frames littered the ground.

Maya’s heart was beating rapidly as they ascended the old wooden stairs. Each step produced a loud creak despite her careful movements. 

When they reached the top, they could hear angry voices emanating from a room down the hall. The voices were harsh and aggressive....