Then came a low hiss—something metallic—and a cold breeze drifted through the open kitchen window.

Rafayel stepped in front of me instinctively and grabbed Xavier shoulder lead him to stumble on me.

Bianca reached for her handbag—not for lipstick, but for something that made an audible click.

“Everyone, down,” Dad said stifly. “We’re not alone, there someone here.”

“Right! Raymond, check outside the room,” Rafayel’s father ordered briskly—his first words in ages after quietly observing everything.

With no other choice, we all crouched low to the ground.

“Mum, why did the lights suddenly go out?” Xavier whispered, his voice laced with that unmistakable whine of a child whose fun had...