Areeba's mind raced. A trade. That was his game.
But she wouldn't play by his rules.
She clenched her fists. "I don't believe you."
The Smiling Man chuckled. "Then stay here. Let the shadows eat you."
The darkness tightened around her. Cold, suffocating.
Her vision blurred—then, suddenly—
A gunshot rang out.
The shadows ripped away from her.
Rehan stood there, gun smoking.
"Let her go."
The Smiling Man laughed. "Brave. Foolish."
Rehan didn't flinch. "Come and find out."
The shadows lunged.
And they ran.