CHAPTER 4 – SHADOWS IN THE MIRROR

The storm raged outside, but the real danger was inside the museum.

Evangelina’s breath hitched when the lights and candles died all at once, leaving her in absolute darkness.

The air felt thick, suffocating—like something was breathing around her.

And then, she felt it.

Warm. Slow. Deliberate.

A breath against her neck, burning its way through her senses like an invisible touch.

She wasn’t alone.

Slowly, pulse hammering, her eyes moved toward the mirror hanging on the far wall.

And there, she saw him.

A majestic shadow, impossibly tall, loomed behind her. Its shape was undefined, yet imposing, predatory.

But the worst part was the eyes.

Black. Deep. Glowing with an untamed intensity.

Watching her.

Not just with curiosity.

With possession.

Evangelina gasped.

Then, the shadow tilted its head.

Just a fraction. Just enough.

As if it knew what she was about to do before she did.

Her scream tore through the silence.

Her body reacted before her mind, launching her into a desperate run toward the museum’s entrance.

Her heels hammered against the marble floor, her heartbeat drowning out the echo of her own terror.

The shadows stretched, as if the museum itself wanted to keep her inside.

But she wouldn’t stay.

She burst through the grand doors and was instantly hit by the storm’s fury.

Cold rain lashed against her skin, drenching her hair, soaking her blouse until it clung to her like a second skin.

Her breathing was ragged, her fingers trembling as she dug through her bag for her keys.

She just needed to get out.

She just needed to—

BOOM!

Lightning struck just ahead, splitting the night apart with a blinding flash.

The impact threw her back, and she hit the wet pavement hard.

Her keys slipped from her fingers.

Panic turned into a sharp, burning heat in her chest. Every second was a trap.

Shaking, she clawed through the wet ground until her fingers closed around the keys.

She ran.

She ripped the car door open, throwing herself inside and slamming the locks shut.

Her breath came in shallow, uneven gasps, her entire body wet, shaking, vulnerable.

Everything was fine.

That’s what she told herself.

But as she reached for the steering wheel, hands trembling…

She looked up.

And saw the reflection in the rearview mirror.

Those same burning eyes watching her.

Smiling.