Chapter 15 - Descent into the Unknown
Lily slid down the metal chute, landing hard on a pile of dusty coal in the pitch-black basement. Above her, she heard the muffled sounds of a struggle, followed by a sickening thud and her mother’s scream. "Mom!" Lily gasped, tears streaming down her face. She wanted to climb back up, but she knew she was too weak. Remembering her mother's words, Lily crawled through the damp cellar, guided only by the dim emergency lights. She pulled the brass key and the ledger tight to her chest.
