# Chloe Pierce's POV
I press my back against the cold wall beneath my bed, my heart hammering so hard I'm sure they can hear it through the door. The apartment has gone silent after those terrible screaming sounds, but somehow the silence is worse than the noise.
My phone buzzes against my palm. A text from Aiden: "Stay hidden. Help is coming."
Help? What kind of help? My hands shake as I type back: "They're trying to get in the bedroom now."
The door handle rattles violently. Then comes the sound of heavy boots kicking against the wood.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
Each impact sends vibrations through the floor. But something impossible happens with each kick. Instead of splintering, the door flares with that strange silver light. And each time it glows brighter, I hear cursing and what sounds like... pain?
"What the hell is wrong with this door?" a rough voice growls.
"It's like touching a live wire," another man responds. "Every time we hit it, something hits back."
