Chapter 1 - The Doorknob
The brass doorknob felt ice-cold against Grandpa Arthur’s trembling hand. He twisted it slowly, ignoring the terrified pleas echoing from the floor behind him. The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing a wall of absolute darkness that seemed to swallow the hallway light. A foul, metallic odor drifted out from the shadows, making it difficult for him to breathe. He squinted into the gloom, hoping to see Mason's familiar face. Instead, a low, guttural growl vibrated through the floorboards beneath his feet. Arthur froze, his heart pounding against his ribs like a trapped bird. This was not his grandson in there. He quickly slammed the door shut, locking it with a sharp click. He turned back to Lily, picking up her fragile, trembling body in his arms. They needed to leave this house immediately.
