**Chapter 12: Echoes of Despair**

“Ryan! Ryan, where are you?” The desperate calls of Ann, Yasmine, and Matthew echoed through the shadowy halls, bouncing off walls that seemed to close in around them. Their flashlights trembled in their hands, the beams barely penetrating the suffocating darkness.

“Ryan, Mira! Can you hear us?” Yasmine shouted, her voice cracking with fear. “Please, answer us! We’re here to get you!”

But their cries were met with nothing but silence.

Suddenly, the faint hum of a vibrating phone startled them. Nora quickly reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “It’s me,” she muttered, stepping aside.

Matthew turned on her, his voice sharp with frustration. “Are you serious? Nora, is this really the time or place to take a call?”

“This is important!” Nora snapped, her voice biting as she walked toward a nearby wall for privacy. She leaned against the cold surface, unaware that it was a door. As she spoke in hushed tones, the door gave way behind her, creaking open. Before she could react, an unseen force seemed to shove her inside.

The door slammed shut with a thunderous bang.

“Nora!” Ann screamed, dropping her flashlight in her panic.

“Help me! Please, help!” Nora’s muffled voice came from behind the door, her cries escalating into frantic shrieks.

Matthew, Ann, and Yasmine rushed to the door, pounding on it with all their might. “We’re trying, Nora!” Matthew shouted, his fists slamming against the wood. “It won’t budge!”

“Please, someone help me! There’s something in here!” Nora’s voice rose in terror. “It’s… it’s coming closer—”

Her scream pierced the air, so loud and visceral that it sent shivers down their spines. Then, silence.

“No, no, no!” Ann cried,...