DORA I sprinted out of the bedroom, my heart hammering wildly in my chest. "Help!" I screamed, my voice echoing through the hallways. My bare feet slapped against the floor as I ran, desperate to put as much distance between me and the assassin as possible. Behind me, heavy footsteps pounded closer. He was fast—too fast. Panic surged through me, tightening my throat. My breath came in ragged gasps as I screamed again, hoping someone, anyone, would hear me. Before I could make it to the staircase, a rough hand grabbed the back of my shirt and yanked me backward. I hit the floor hard, the impact sending a jolt of pain through my body. The assassin loomed over me, his dark eyes cold and focused. I scrambled backward on my hands and feet, but he closed the distance in an instant, pinning me down. The sharp glint of the knife in his hand sent fresh waves of terror through me. “Get off me!” I screamed, thrashing wildly, kicking and clawing at him. My nails scratched at his arm, but he
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