CHAPTER 7 – THE ASCENT INTO THE UNKNOWN

The garage of her building was deserted and cold when she turned off the engine.

The white lights flickered weakly above the polished marble floor, reflecting her small and vulnerable silhouette in the artificial glow.

The city was asleep.

But she…

She was still trapped in the nightmare.

With trembling hands, she opened the door and stepped out of the car, feeling as though each step echoed louder than usual, as if the white walls of the parking garage were too narrow, too silent.

As if someone else was there with her.

The storm raged outside. The rhythmic sound of the rain against the concrete seemed to synchronize with the erratic beating of her heart.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to move.

Crossing the garage felt eternal. The elevator doors gleamed like a silent invitation, or perhaps… a warning.

She pressed the button.

A metallic chime announced its arrival, and the doors slid open with a smooth motion.

She stepped inside.

The air inside was colder than expected, sterile and unwelcoming. She reached out and pressed the number 6, watching the golden glow of the button before the doors closed with a whisper.

Then…

The light flickered.

A single tremor shook the cabin, and for a moment, everything stilled.

She inhaled sharply, her pulse hammering in her ears.

It’s just the storm, she told herself. Just faulty wiring.

But then—

A whisper.

Not from the walls.

Not from the speakers.

A whisper from behind her.

Calling her name.

—Evangelina…

Her blood ran cold.

She didn’t move. She didn’t turn.

She couldn’t.

Because she knew…

She was no longer alone.