Cynthia Dion:

"What the heck?" I panicked, moving away from the blood, but it was everywhere. I didn't even realize I had hit my head somewhere and passed out--was this really happening?

"You shouldn’t have met him," I heard a weak whisper from the top of the staircase.

"He's really angry with you--" she squeaked again, struggling to breathe.

"Who's there?" I asked fearfully, staring at the top of the staircase but stepping back until my back touched the wall. I ...