Early the next morning, the rusted lock rattled against the doorframe, snapping Sophia out of her shallow sleep. She clung tighter to Felvin's chest, her heart beating like a war drum. Izikel sat upright, blinking the fatigue from his eyes, alert with anticipation. The door creaked open.
A sliver of light broke through the crack, casting long shadows inside the cramped shed.
The boy from yesterday—the boss's son—stepped inside. His presence was quiet but tense. He shut the door behind him and locked it with the carefulness of someone smuggling secrets. His eyes swept over the three captives.
Felvin's jaw clenched with hatred. "What do you people want this time?" he spat.
"Why don't you kill us and get it over with?" Lyzah added, her voice trembling but defiant.
