As the deafening sound of the gunshot echoed in the cold air, I watched as Leon’s body crumpled to the ground. The once menacing figure now lay motionless, the darkness that had consumed him finally extinguished. Behind me, I sensed the presence of Alex, Ace, and Cher’s husband—the allies who had stood by my side through this harrowing ordeal.

“Are you okay?” Ace’s voice was a lifeline, his concern evident in his eyes as he approached. I swallowed hard, my throat feeling dry as I nodded in response. It was over. The nightmare that had held us captive for so long had finally come to an end.

“You shot him,”...