Page 15 of Silent Oaths
“Doyou think we should stick together?”Iask as the guests begin to scatter.
“Definitely,”Valeriareplies, her grip on my hand tightening. “Weneed to stay close and keep an eye out for anything strange.”
Wemove deeper into the mansion, wandering into what looks like a library, its towering shelves packed with ancient books and strange relics that seem older than time itself.Theair is thick with dust, and the faint smell of mildew clings to every particle.
“I’mstarting to feel like we’re in one of those old horror films.”
“Pleasedon’t.”
“What?I’mjustsaying.Itfeels like we’re being hunted.I’veseen this before,”Ijoke, though my pulse hasn’t slowed sinceLionel’sannouncement. “Thewhole “we’re being hunted in a creepy mansion” vibe?Classichorror trope.”
“Isa,”Valeriagroans, rolling her eyes. “Let’sjust keep moving and stay out of sight.”
“Okay,Mommy,”Isay with a grin, unable to resist.
Herlips twitch, almost smiling, but before she can reply, she grabs a book from a nearby shelf and tosses it at me.Iduck, the heavy tome landing with a dull thud on the carpet.
Ilaugh, my nerves easing for just a moment, though the tension in my chest doesn’t fully disappear.
Weweave through the library, past a grand fireplace with a mantle cluttered with bizarre trinkets and framed portraits of ancestors glaring down at us.
“Wait.”Ipoint toward a small door partially hidden behind a massive leather chair. “There.”
Valerianods, and we slip through, finding ourselves in a narrow passageway.Thewalls are lined with more portraits, their painted eyes seeming to follow our every move.
Thisplace is creepy as hell.
“Thisis cozy,”Imutter with sarcasm. “Doyou think this is a good place to hide?”
“It’sas good as any,”Valeriareplies, trying to sound reassuring. “Ifanything feels off, we get out of here and regroup.”
Inod, and we huddle together in the cramped space, trying to make ourselves as small and invisible as possible.
Iforce myself to focus on the plan, not on the lingering sensation of being watched or howLionel’sgrin made my skin crawl.
* * *
Timeis dragging.
I’mcurled up against the cold wall, my knees pulled to my chest.Mylegs are cramping, butIdon’t dare move.Theair is stale and damp, sticking to my skin and making it hard to breathe.Valeriais right next to me, close enough thatIcan feel her warmth, but it doesn’t stop the tension buzzing between us.Itake a slow breath, trying to steady myself.
Thesound of a clock chimes, cutting through the silence.
One.Two.Three…
Eachring sends a shiver down my spine.Twelvechimes.Midnight.Thesignal.
Ireach out, grippingValeria’sarm as if to anchor myself. “It’stime.”I’mbarely able to hear my voice over the pounding in my chest.
Slowly,Ipush myself up, my legs shaking as blood rushes back into them.Valeria’sfingers fumble as she presses them against the hidden latch, sliding the panel open just enough to peer out.There’snothing.Theroom is empty, though shadows stretch across the walls, looking more alive than they should.
Iexhale, my breath shaky.Myhair falls into my face, brushingValeria’sarm asIlean forward to check again.Stillclear.Relieftrickles in, but it’s short-lived.
Asound comes from the distance, growing louder and closer with each second.Mybreath catches in my throat.Thefootsteps halt abruptly, and silence descends again.Everynerve in my body screams at me to stay still, butI’mtrembling, nonetheless.
Thefootsteps resume, moving away from us this time.
Fuck.Thatwas close.
