Ember POV

I opened the door to find nothing. My pulse hammered. Is my mind playing tricks on me? I wondered as unease rippled through me. Shaking my head, I closed the door and returned to the bed.

But no sooner had I sat down the knock came again.. sharp. This time, the sound burrowed into my bones. My breath hitched. Fear pricked the back of my neck, forcing me to scan the room.

The knock echoed once more, cruel and steady, mocking my doubts. I reached for anything that could serve as a weapon. My eyes landed on a small, dust-covered knife buried inside the drawer. It was pitifully...