The hidden door creaked open behind Astrid Voss's desk, revealing a yawning black space that smelled of dust and secrets.
I turned to Kieran, my heart racing.
He met my eyes, and there was no need for words. Just one glance. That was all it took.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me with him through the narrow passage. The moment we stepped inside, the door slid shut behind us with a final-sounding click, sealing us in darkness.
I sucked in a breath.
I couldn't see a thing, but Kieran seemed perfectly calm, his steps confident even in the dark. His grip on my hand was steady as he moved ahead, guiding me through the pitch-black space like it was nothing.
"Wait here," he murmured under his breath.
He let go and slipped away into the shadows.
I stood still, ears straining, heart pounding. I could hear his soft steps brushing over stone… and then a faint click.
A small bulb overhead flickered to life.
