CHAPTER 23: ALONE NO MORE.

“Be careful, Candice! That thing could be anywhere!” Jeff’s voice rang out hoarsely from behind the basement door. He leaned back against the wall, one hand pressed tight against his chest where the blood was still seeping through.

Shaurya stood nearby, wringing his hands, his sneakers squeaking slightly on the cold tile as he paced back and forth. “I’m seriously freaking out for her, man,” he mumbled.

Then—out of nowhere—a cheerful children’s show jingle burst from his phone.

Jeff blinked. “What... the hell is that?”

Shaurya fumbled for his phone, his face flushing with embarrassment. “It’s—uh—it’s from my playlist. I thought some background music might help with the tension.”

Jeff squinted at him like he was losing his mind. “You picked that?”

Shaurya shrugged helplessly. “It’s catchy?”

Jeff exhaled a sharp breath, wincing. “Great...I think If Amy doesn’t kill us, your playlist will.”