There was a small living room in the front, so from Iris' position in the bedroom, she couldn't see the intruder. She took in a shuddering breath and rose from the bed. Her steps were quieter than she imagined herself being capable of, but she didn't pay much attention to it.
Sneaking through the room, she plastered herself against the wall next to the door. With a quick glance over, she realized that the stranger was a man and was standing facing away from her. The morning was early and she hadn't yet opened the curtains, so it was hard to make out his characteristics in the dim light.
Still, he was an intruder—that was all that mattered. Without any pangs of conscience, Iris lifted the lamp higher and rushed through the door. It was better to surprise the enemy than give him the chance to attack first.
