Paralyzed with fear, Charlisse searched the crowd for any sign of Kent.

Thunder roared. The building shook and lanterns swung from above. Light and dark oscillated over the scene, casting monstrous shadows onto walls and floor. Lightning flashed outside the windows, momentarily transforming the figures within into skeletons.

Something landed on her back. Chattering, it climbed onto her shoulder. Charlisse screamed and turned to see a pair of beady eyes. The little ...