The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension as the single candle on the table flickered wildly, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The guards, stationed at every corner, were sweating bullets. The grip on their rifles was so tight that their knuckles turned white, and their hands trembled despite their attempts to stay calm. Each breath they took was shallow, laced with fear they were struggling to suppress.
Nana and Mia clung to Raika, their small bodies shivering uncontrollably as they sought comfort in her presence. Raika, usually composed, was not immune to the oppressive atmosphere. Her forehead glistened with large beads of sweat, which slowly trickled down her temples. Her eyes flickered around the room, scanning the dark corners, the shadows, and the doors—anything that might give a sign of what was lurking in the darkness.
