**Chapter 7: Descent into Darkness**

As Judd's hand closed around his ankle, Andrew felt a jolt of fear. He tried to kick free, but Judd's grip was like a vice. Andrew's fingers scrabbled against the doorframe, desperately trying to find purchase, but it was too late. Judd yanked him back, and Andrew landed hard on the floor, his palms scraping against the rough wood. The darkness seemed to press in around him, making it hard to breathe. Andrew's eyes strained to adjust, but the blackness was absolute. He was trapped, and Judd was closing in. Andrew's legs kicked out wildly, trying to connect with Judd's body, but he was too disoriented. Judd dodged and weaved, his movements eerily silent. Suddenly, a faint light flickered to life, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Andrew's gaze was drawn to the source of the light: a small, flickering candle on his nightstand. It cast an otherworldly glow over the room, making Judd's face seem even more twisted and sinister. Judd's eyes gleamed with a malevolent light as he leaned in, his face inches from Andrew's. "You can't escape me," he whispered, his breath hot on Andrew's skin. "I've been waiting for you for a long time." Andrew's mind reeled as Judd's words sent a chill down his spine. What did he mean? How long had Judd been waiting for him? The questions swirled in his mind, but before he could ask any of them, Judd's hand closed around his wrist, pulling him to his feet. Andrew stumbled, his legs trembling beneath him. Judd's grip was like a steel clamp, and Andrew knew he couldn't break free. Judd began to pull him across the room, towards the door. Andrew dug his heels into the floor, trying to resist, but Judd was too strong. As they reached the door, Judd's hand released Andrew's wrist, and he pushed him out into the hallway. The sudden change in environment was disorienting, and Andrew stumbled, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. The hallway stretched out before him, a seemingly endless corridor of shadows. Judd's voice was right behind him, his words dripping with malice. "Welcome to my world, Andrew. You're going to be here for a long time." Andrew's heart sank as he realized he was trapped. Judd had a plan, and Andrew was just a pawn in his game. The thought sent a wave of fear through him, and he took off running, his bare feet pounding against the floor. But as he ran, the hallway seemed to shift and twist around him, like a maze designed to trap him. And Judd's laughter echoed through the corridors, always just out of sight, but never far away.