The group stood at the entrance to the sixth floor's stairwell, in no rush to venture further inside.
Candice Tate's small hands gripped Sierra Sullivan's hand tightly. Sierra could not only feel the girl's tension but also the slick layer of sweat coating her palms, a clear sign of extreme anxiety.
"Sierra, I have a feeling it's here." Because of her overwhelming nervousness, Candice's voice trembled slightly. It was as if she had already pierced through the impenetrable darkness before them and seen exactly what lay ahead.
Sierra knew that Candice must have seen something else in her dreams but had chosen not to say it out loud. Though she didn't know why Candice was keeping it to herself, Sierra didn't want to force the issue and refrained from pressing her.
"Candice, if you're scared, how about I go downstairs with you?" Sierra asked softly.
Candice shook her head. "I don't want to! I'm going!"
