The door stood slightly ajar, the flickering torchlight casting strange shadows against the wall. I tensed. Someone was here. My fingers curled into fists. “Who’s there?” My voice came out hoarse, fractured. No answer. I scanned the corners of the room, my pulse hammering against my chest. “Show yourself,” I demanded, though my body was too weak to do anything if they meant me harm. Another flicker of movement. A shadow detached itself from the darkness. I stiffened, instinct screaming at me to retreat, but there was nowhere to go. Then, a familiar voice.
