Chapter 2
The rain began earlier than usual that night, hammering the corrugated zinc roof with a deafening, irregular rhythm. Peace lay in bed, staring at the shadows dancing on the ceiling. The lantern on the floor flickered weakly, as if fighting to survive. Her mother's soft singing floated in from the kitchen a familiar lullaby but there was an edge to it tonight, a catch in the voice.
The wind howled, rattling the windows. Somewhere far away, a dog barked sharp, panicked. Asif seeing something intruding Then came a knock.not the friendly knock of neighbors
Three slow, deliberate thuds on the front door.
Peace sat up. "Mama?" she called softly.
"Stay in bed, my child her mother's voice came, but it sounded tighter.
Her father's footsteps approached the door. The knock came again, heavier this time. He hesitated before opening it just a crack.
Peace heard the voice: low, deep, dragging like heavy chains on cement. "It's time."
"What do you mean?" her father hissed. "Not here."
But the stranger ignored him, the rain dripping from his long black coat. "You owe me.
Her father stepped outside, pulling the door shut. Peace strained to listen but the wind stole their words. Her mother had stopped singing.
Minutes later, the door banged open again but it wasn't her father who came in. It was the man in the black coat. And in his hand… a long, Sharp glinting object.
Her mother screamed Loudly Something crashed. Peace froze.
Then, silence in d Atmosphere except for