The air in the narrow hallway grew cooler as they moved farther into the warehouse's gloomy areas. Xander's heart pounded, each step feeling heavier than the last. As if the walls themselves were closing in on them, they were forced more into a chasm of uncertainty. Sofia, whose sneakers were hardly audible over the cold concrete, held Mateo's hand and followed him carefully.
Glancing over his shoulder, Xander whispered, "Stay close." Sofia gave a small nod, but her eyes were wide with terror and her face was white.
They walked carefully down the hallway, their breath visible in the cold, stale air. The only sounds were the soft shuffle of their boots and the creaking of the building that had been empty for years. As they reached the end of the hallway, Xander paused, his senses sharply alert.
In front of them was a massive metal door unlike anything they had ever seen. Its surface was perfect, and it had been well maintained for its age. The area appeared eerie as a faint red light f
