I stared hard in that direction, my breath hitching as a tall figure emerged from the shadows.

The man wore a black mask, his entire presence radiating an icy, unsettling aura.

Was he the kidnapper?

I tensed, forcing myself to stay calm as I questioned him, "Who are you?" My voice was sharp, demanding answers. "Enough with the games! Just tell me—what do you want?"

He didn't reply. Instead, he slowly reached into his pocket, pulled two ...