Aurora’s P.O.V

The hallway stretches ahead of us, dimly lit by the low, flickering light of the lamps along the walls. Caleb and Caroline walk beside me, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet air. I can feel the weight of the silence between us, the tension pulling at the edges of my thoughts. We’re headed to Alice’s room, but something in the air feels different, heavier now, as if we’re walking toward something we’re not quite prepared for. I glance at Caleb, and then ...