Chapter 84

LUIS'S Pov The ladder creaked under our weight, each rung groaning like it was about to snap. Camila’s breathing was loud in the silence. My hand gripped hers tighter as we descended, step by step, into whatever lay below the Dead House. She whispered behind me, “Luis… What if this isn’t a way out?” My thoughts answered before my mouth could. Then it’s our grave. But I didn’t say that. I refrained from saying it aloud. She didn’t need more fear. Instead, I muttered, “Keep moving. Just a bit more.” When my boots hit the floor, I almost slipped. The ground was slick, wet and uneven. I helped Camila down, her hands trembling as they landed on my shoulders. She stayed close, her fingers gripping my jacket like she was afraid I’d vanish in the dark. I fumbled for the flashlight on my belt and flicked it on. The beam was weak, flickering. Great. We were in a basement. No, something worse. A tunnel. It stretched forward, the walls sweating moisture, roots curling through the stone like veins.