Chapter 30: The Smiling Man’s World

Areeba awoke in complete blackness.

The air was thick, heavy—like she was breathing through water.

She turned.

Rehan was gone.

A chill crawled up her spine. "Rehan?"

No answer.

Then—a whisper.

"He can't hear you."

Areeba turned—

And the Smiling Man was right behind her.

"Your fear," he whispered, "is delicious."