She crossed the landing, her boots ringing on the metal. A pounding erupted at the double doors below. “Is someone there?” the voice called. “On my way!” Amaranthe hustled down the stairs. He had to be trying to escape whatever was hunting the streets. The doors rattled on their hinges. “It’s coming!” he shouted. Amaranthe took the last stairs three at a time. She slid on sawdust when she landed at the bottom, recovered, and ran to the doors. She reached for the heavy wooden bar securing them. A deafening screech sounded right outside. Amaranthe jerked back. On the other side of the door, the
...more
