As Alex hung precariously from the sheer rock face, his fingers gripping the cold, unforgiving edges of the granite, doubt crept into his mind. It was an emotion he rarely entertained, especially in a place where confidence was as essential as oxygen.

The wind whistled through the narrow crevices, carrying the distant sound of birds and the muted rush of a waterfall somewhere below. The sun cast ...

I could hear my heartbeat in my own ears, feel it pounding in my head. I felt like at any moment, my heart would beat right out my chest. Could he see it? Probably.

He’s staring right at me, I felt like his cold blue eyes, devoid of any humanity could see right through me.

Not that I’m hiding anything, I’m too terrified.

He’s eerily still, seated across from me on his bunk. Legs spread wide, hands...