Nathan, Zane, Eli, and Gabriel walked up the stairs. They moved through the long corridor that led back toward Nathan's room. The carpet under their feet was thick and muffled the sound of their shoes. The walls were lined with expensive paintings and antique vases, but none of the boys looked at them. They were too scared.
"Maybe you are dreaming," Nathan said. He kept his eyes fixed on the hallway ahead.
Eli walked close to Nathan. His breathing was fast and loud. He looked back over his shoulder every few seconds. "How is it possible that I am dreaming alone? Gabriel saw it too, right? Gabriel, tell him."
Gabriel was pale. He gripped the edge of his pocket so hard that his knuckles turned white. He nodded quickly. "Yes. I saw them. They lifted a man. There was a lot of blood on his hands. It was dripping onto the floor."
He didn't know how the blood could have disappeared.
