VALERIA
I pushed open the barely-hinged wooden door, its loud creak echoing like a gunshot in the quiet.
The stench of mildew and rotting wood hit me like a physical blow as I stepped inside, my eyes struggling to adjust to the oppressive darkness. My foot kicked what remained of the doorframe.
With trembling hands, I picked up one of the splintered pieces, slipping back into my role as the heroine. This was reckless. Dangerous. I knew that. But I couldn't just stand by while they took him.
Losing another puppy? I'd never forgive myself.
Moving cautiously, I advanced through what might have been a foyer into a living room, carefully avoiding gaping holes in the floorboards where darkness swallowed the ground below.
"Ms. Valeria!" Edward's cry came from above. My head snapped up to s
