The door slammed behind us, echoing like the school itself was laughing.
We collapsed against the wall, breathing hard, hearts pounding. Mira's glow faded, leaving just the faint outlines of shadows still lurking in corners.
And then we heard it:
"Finally… some company."
We spun around.
A man stood in the doorway. Tall, thin, wearing a dust-covered janitor uniform, mop in hand. His eyes were sharp, almost too sharp, like he'd seen everything this school could throw at a person… and survived.
"Uh… hi?" Sarah said cautiously. "Who… who are you?"
The janitor smiled. Not a happy smile. Not a friendly smile. Just… a smile that made my stomach flip.
"Name's Mr. Kader," he said. "I've been waiting for someone like you."
Lara leaned against the wall, whispering to Felix. "Is it just me or does he look like the school's evil uncle who's here for Christmas?"
Felix whispered back, "More like a deadly Christmas horror special."
Mira stepped forward. "You know this place."
Mr. Kader's eyes flicked to her. "More than you can imagine, kid. And I know exactly what's chasing you. Shadows… monsters… the faceless thing. They feed on fear, yes… but they obey patterns. And you, little lady," he pointed at Mira, "you are part of the pattern."
I felt my knees weaken. "Part… of the pattern? What does that mean?!"
Kai, ever analytical, stepped forward. "Wait. If he knows about the patterns, maybe he can help us. Explain how the monsters operate, how to manipulate them—"
"Exactly," Mr. Kader interrupted. "But it won't be easy. This school… it remembers. Every lie, every fear, every secret you hide—it stores them, twists them, and uses them against you."
Lara raised an eyebrow. "So… it's like a horror-themed memory foam mattress. Cozy."
Felix groaned. "Can someone just punch the mattress instead?"
Sarah shot them both a glare. "Focus!"
Mr. Kader chuckled softly. "You'll need to. Because the shadows are learning. They're faster now, smarter. And if you make one mistake…"
He tapped the mop on the floor. "They'll be the last mistake you ever make."
Mira's eyes narrowed. "Then what do we do?"
He glanced at all of us, mop now resting on his shoulder like a staff. "We fight smart. Use what you have. Fear is their weapon, humor is yours, and… well, some of you already have an unexpected advantage."
I squinted. "Who's the unexpected advantage? Lara? Because her jokes are dangerous… but mostly to our sanity."
He grinned. "Exactly. But sometimes… insanity is the key to survival."
Lara gave a thumbs-up. "Thank you, kind janitor overlord. I accept this responsibility with honor—and terrible puns."
Felix muttered, "We're doomed."
Sarah crossed her arms. "Alright. Mr. Kader… tell us everything you know about the school. Fast. We don't have time for jokes."
He nodded, eyes glinting. "Good. First lesson… the school isn't just a building. It's alive. And it has favorites… and it's already chosen some of you."
I shivered. Somehow, I didn't know if I wanted to know who.