Chapter 4 — The Iron Key

Massie

The basement of Dark Falls High reeks of damp concrete and rusted metal, with an undertow of mildew clinging to the stale air like an unwelcome guest. The smell alone is enough to make me hesitate on the staircase, but it’s more than that. The air feels heavier down here, charged with something I can’t explain. Every rational thought tells me to turn back, to forget about the strange pull that led me here. But I can’t. Something wants me to find it. And I’m not sure I want to know what.