Riley’s heart pounded so hard she swore it was loud enough to give her away. The rhythm echoed in her ears like a drumbeat in an empty room—thump-thump-thump—each one faster than the last. She slid out of bed as quietly as possible, every creak of the old wooden floorboards feeling like a fire alarm blaring through the silent house. The carpet muffled her steps somewhat, but not enough; she winced as her weight shifted, the wood protesting beneath her.
