Chapter 5

*Chapter 5: The Darkness*

As the car approached, Emma's heart was racing. She covered Sarah's body with her own, bracing for impact. But instead of a collision, the car screeched to a halt just inches from their bodies.

Emma's eyes were fixed on the car's door as it swung open. A figure emerged, tall and imposing. Emma's instincts screamed at her to run, but her body seemed frozen in place.

The figure loomed over them, its features obscured by the shadows. Emma's heart was pounding in her chest as the figure reached out a hand.

But instead of grabbing them, the figure gently touched Emma's shoulder. "Get up," a low voice whispered. "We have to get out of here. Now."

Emma's eyes locked onto the figure's face, trying to make out their features. But it was too dark, and the figure's face was shrouded in shadows.

With a surge of adrenaline, Emma scrambled to her feet, pulling Sarah up with her. The figure led them to the car, opening the door for them to get in.

As they sped away from the warehouse, Emma's mind was racing. Who was this person? Why were they helping them?

The figure drove in silence, his eyes fixed on the road. Emma's eyes were fixed on Sarah, who was slumped in the backseat, her eyes closed.

"Sarah?" Emma whispered, her voice shaking. "Are you okay?"

Sarah didn't respond. Emma's heart sank. Was she too late? Had whatever was controlling Sarah taken over completely?

The figure's voice cut through the silence. "We're almost there. Hold on."

Emma's eyes locked onto the figure's profile. There was something familiar about him, but she couldn't quite place it.

As the car turned a corner, the lights from the city illuminated the figure's face. Emma's eyes widened in shock.

It was her father's face, staring back at her.

But that was impossible. Her father had been dead for years.

Emma's mind reeled as she stared at the figure's face. It was her father's face, but it couldn't be. He had died when she was a teenager. She remembered the funeral, the pain, the grief.

But the face staring back at her was unmistakable. It was her father's face, aged and weathered, but unmistakably his.

"Who are you?" Emma demanded, her voice shaking with emotion.

The figure didn't respond. Instead, he kept driving, his eyes fixed on the road.

Emma's eyes darted to Sarah, who was still slumped in the backseat. She reached out and touched Sarah's hand, trying to reassure herself that her sister was okay.

As they drove through the city, Emma's mind was a jumble of emotions. She was trapped in a nightmare, and she didn't know how to wake up.

The figure finally pulled up to a nondescript building and turned off the engine. "We're here," he said, his voice low and gravelly.

Emma's eyes locked onto the building, her heart racing with uncertainty. What was this place? Who was this person?

The figure got out of the car and opened the door for Emma and Sarah. Emma hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do.

But something about the figure's demeanor put her at ease. She got out of the car, supporting Sarah's weight as they followed the figure into the building.

Inside, the building was dimly. There was a single desk in the center of the room, with a chair behind it.

The figure gestured for Emma to sit down. Emma hesitated for a moment, but something about the figure's demeanor put her at ease. She sat down, holding Sarah's hand tightly.

The figure sat down behind the desk, his eyes locked onto Emma's. "My name is John," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "And I'm your father."

Emma's mind reeled as she stared at the figure. It couldn't be. Her father was dead. But the eyes staring back at her were unmistakable. They were her father's eyes.

"How is this possible?" Emma demanded, her voice shaking with emotion.

John leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Emma's. "I've been watching you, Emma. I've been watching you for a long time. And I know what you're going through."

Emma's eyes narrowed. "What do you know?"

John's expression turned grim. "I know that Sarah is in danger. And I know that you're the only one who can save her."

As John spoke, Sarah stirred in Emma's arms. Emma's heart skipped a beat as she looked down at her sister.

"Sarah?" Emma whispered, her voice trembling with hope. "Is that you?"

Sarah's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at Emma. For a moment, Emma saw a glimmer of recognition.

But then, Sarah's eyes clouded over, and she spoke in a voice that sent shivers down Emma's spine.

"I'm not Sarah," she said, her voice low and menacing. "And I'm not going anywhere."