Areeba tried to run—but the shadows wrapped around her ankles, pulling her back.
The Smiling Man leaned close. "You want to live?"
She couldn't speak.
He grinned wider. "Then make a deal."
Areeba's heart pounded. "What… kind of deal?"
His eyes gleamed. "A trade. Your freedom… for someone else's."
Areeba's stomach twisted. "No."
The Smiling Man tilted his head. "Then you'll stay here. Forever."
The darkness closed in.
Areeba had one chance.
She had to outsmart him.