Jessica stared at her, dumbfounded. She was totally at a loss for what answer to give. She did not dare say yes when she wasn't sure of what she was about to see or what might be waiting for her.
And to say no? She couldn't bring herself to disappoint Bella, not when her sister-in-law's eyes sparkled with such enthusiasm about whatever was behind the door.
Left with no other choice, she decided on silence.
"Sister-in-law, don't tell me you're scared?" Bella teased, her tone mischievous, her brows arched in mock challenge.
Jessica lifted her chin. "What's there to be scared of…"
"That settles it," Bella interrupted briskly, as if Jessica's half-hearted defense had sealed her fate.
With a swift twist of the doorknob, the door swung open. But instead of a bright, welcoming room, Jessica found herself tugged into pitch darkness.
"Bella, what's going on?" she asked, her voice tight as she strained her eyes against the shadows, waiting for them to adjust.
