#Chapter 65: Proof of Life

ELENA There were voices outside the door. Not the usual lazy pacing of a bored guard. These were deeper. Sharper. Intent. My heart dropped into my stomach. They were coming. I pressed myself to the wall beneath the vent, arms locked around my knees. The blanket I’d balled up to make it look like Aiden was still under it had already slipped slightly, the shape no longer convincing. If they walked in and looked even once in this direction, they’d know he was gone. And if they figured that out, it was over. For both of us. I glanced up again, barely letting my eyes move. The grate above me was still cracked open. Still empty. Where was he? Please. Please, baby. Be outside. Be gone. A scraping sound outside—metal on metal. The unmistakable rattle of keys. No no no no— I almost bolted upright. Almost screamed. But I forced myself to stay frozen, every nerve on fire. Then— Another sound. Soft. Barely audible. The faintest click of metal shifting from ab