Aryan's mind screamed at him to run.
But his body refused.
The shadow in the hallway… it didn't come closer.
It just stayed there.
Watching him.
Waiting.
The door behind him felt like his only escape.
"If I open this door… I can leave," Aryan said quickly.
"No!" the voice outside shouted.
"For once in your life, listen!"
Aryan clenched his teeth.
"Then what do I do?! There's something inside my house!"
"Yes," the voice said quietly. "And it wasn't there… before I made the mistake."
Aryan shut his eyes tight.
Think. Think.
"Tell me what to do," he said.
A pause.
Then—
"Stay exactly where you are."
The shadow twitched.
Closer.
Aryan's heart skipped.
"And whatever happens," the voice continued…
"Don't let it touch you."