The city had gone still.
Christmas lights flickered softly across rooftops and streets, their glow gentle… almost peaceful.
But inside Riley's house—
There wasn't the same kind of peace in it, it was more of a gloomy atmosphere.
But he didn't seem bothered by it as he had gotten back late.
Tired.
Silent.
He hadn't checked on Stephanie yet.
Didn't call.
Didn't look.
Because he trusted her.
Riley dropped his keys on the table, shrugging off his jacket as he walked deeper into the house.
Empty.
Quiet.
"…She's probably asleep already," he muttered to himself.
It made sense.
Long day.
Endless preparations.
He exhaled and headed to his room.
Within minutes—
The lights were off.
And the darkness swallowed everything.
And in that darkness....
Footsteps echoed.
Not in a house.
Not in a room.
In something colder.
Darker.
A hallway.
Long.
Endless.
Young Riley ran.
Barefoot.
Breathing hard.
"Don't—!"
A voice.
Shouting.
A door slammed somewhere behind him.
