Page 1 of Saving Sparrow (Slow Burns & Tragic Beginnings #2)

“You never have to come back; I promise. I can come back by myself, okay?”

“You gotta get the keys!” he exclaimed, his young voice frantic as he stared down at the lock on the basement door.

“What’s down there?” I whispered, heart pounding in my throat. Both lock and door were made of thick steel. My instincts told me that whatever was down there wasn’t good.

“Y-you gotta get the—” His breath hitched, his watery blue gaze darting over my shoulder. I glanced back but couldn’t see anyone down the gloomy hallway.

“Oh no…” He fisted his fire truck pajama top, the color draining from his face.

“What’s wrong?” My fear made me sound impatient. “What’s happening?”

The world around us froze when he breathed, “Someone’s coming,” before taking off.

“Wait!” I shouted, giving chase.

“Someone’s coming!” he shouted back, arms pumping as he ran. “Someone’s coming!”

We rounded corner after corner, ran down hall after hall. The house was a dark labyrinth, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead of us at a time.

“W-who…” I couldn’t speak, couldn’t catch my breath as the rickety chandelier above the foyer came into view. “Who else is… here with us?” I stole glances over my shoulder as my legs pushed harder, but only darkness and a sense of dread followed me.

He reached the grand staircase, grabbing the creaky banister to keep from falling when his body twitched. He charged up the steps with me trailing behind him, my injuries slowing me down. “Someone’s coming,” he repeated, words slurred this time.

We passed locked door after locked door, and I realized he was headed for the open one across from mine. I stretched my arm toward him as if that would help me pick up speed. I couldn’t lose him. I still had so many questions.

“Please wait,” I tried again. He stopped without warning, and my ankle twisted as I skidded to a halt to keep from crashing into him.

His shoulders stiffened, his breathing evening out before he turned to me. I stared into the cruel eyes of the man in front of me and realized that someone was here.