His eyes darted to the window, then back to the doorway, realizing we were completely trapped.

“This is my house!” Marcus screamed into the darkness. “I’ll have every one of you slaughtered!”

A black cylinder rolled through the open doorway, bouncing twice on the rug before coming to a stop.

“Flashbang!” Thomas yelled, covering his face.

I threw myself flat onto the floor, tucking my head behind the solid wood of the nightstand and covering my ears.

The world exploded in a blinding white flash and a deafening roar that vibrated in my teeth.

My ears rang with a high, painful whine, and the smell of sulfur and burnt carpet filled the air.

Through the haze, I saw three figures in dark tactical gear sweep into the room.

They moved with terrifying, silent precision, their weapons raised and steady.

Thomas tried to raise his gun, but a short burst of fire took him in the shoulder and leg.

He collapsed to the floor, his weapon clattering away into the darkness.

Marcus fell back against the wall, his hands raised, his face pale and drained of all color.