Chapter 4 - THE BREACH The fourth strike broke something behind the plaster.
A deep wooden crack echoed through the wall.
Anna froze.
Then the plaster collapsed.
Dust filled the corridor.
Guests coughed.
Security rushed forward.
But Anna stepped closer.
Behind the broken wall was a narrow cavity between ancient beams.
And inside—
Two frightened eyes stared back.
The crowd fell completely silent.
The child was curled into himself, thin arms wrapped around his knees.
His tuxedo was filthy.
His hair was matted with dust.
His lips were dry.
He looked too small to have survived even a few days.
But somehow, he had survived years.
Anna lowered the hammer.
"Oh, God."
She crouched.
"Hey, sweetheart. I'm Anna."
The boy stared at her.
His eyes widened.
"Anna..."
She stopped.
"How do you know my name?"
The boy coughed.
"Please get me out."
"I'm going to."
Anna reached toward him.
The boy suddenly grabbed her wrist.
His fingers were freezing.
Then he whispered:
"Not yet."
Anna's heart sank.
"Why?"
The boy looked past her.
Toward the crowd.
Toward Victoria.
May you like
And whispered:
"She told me nobody would ever find me."
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