Chapter 22: Race Against Time

The evening air was thick with tension as Emma, Alexander, and Rachel arrived at the abandoned warehouse. The setting sun cast long shadows across the desolate area, creating an eerie atmosphere. They parked their car at a safe distance and approached the building cautiously. Rachel led the way, her flashlight cutting through the darkness as they moved closer to the entrance. The three of them exchanged glances, their faces etched with determination. They had come too far to turn back now. “Let’s split up,” Rachel suggested, her voice low and steady. “Emma, you check the east side. Alexander and I will cover the west. If Emily is here, we need to find her quickly.” Emma nodded, her heart pounding with anxiety. “Be careful,” she said, her gaze lingering on Alexander. He reached out, taking her hand for a brief moment, a silent promise of safety. As Emma moved to the east side of the warehouse, her flashlight revealed signs of recent activity—discarded items, footprints in the dust.