Not long after, they finally stopped before a battered door at the end of a corridor that smelled faintly of metal and mold.
Ryder's fingers hovered over the doorknob as he inhaled a deep breath, as if steeling himself for the favor he had agreed to do.
Ryley had barely parted his lips to speak when Ryder stepped forward and held the door open for him.
There was something unreadable in his gaze, something too calm to be comforting.
Hesitantly, Ryley crossed the threshold. The moment his feet touched the worn floor inside, the heavy click of the lock behind him sent a cold shiver tearing down his spine.
His breath caught.
Without thinking, his hand moved to shield his abdomen—reflexive, protective—as if something unseen had just threatened him.
He took a step back, eyes narrowing, heart thudding violently against his ribs as Ryder's gaze sharpened.
"Wh-what is this?" Ryley managed, his voice barely steady. "Why did you bring me here? What even is this place?"
