I close my eyes tight in determination, and with a slow, steadying breath, I grab at the smooth wooden rail, resolving to hold on to it with everything I am.

My hand connects with something loose on the smooth surface. It slides and rattles against the railings as I’m tugged onwards in our descent. It’s cold and heavy, and my fingers have grasped it before I can contemplate what it is.

The lights are off down here, he must’ve killed them before following me upstairs, and I ...