While love and tears reign in Salem, another deadly threat is emerging.

Theo Carver, son of Abe and Paulina, finds himself in a life-or-death situation after being imprisoned by Peter Blake in a secret crypt with DiMera’s group.

The story begins when EJ, Kristen, Tony, and Theo are tricked by Peter into entering the crypt – where he has installed a deadly gas system.

In the darkness, they cough and choke, trying to find a way out, while Theo suffocates and faints.

Kristen screams in despair, “No! He’s just a child!” but Peter only laughs coldly, “In Salem, no one is innocent.”

Outside, Rafe Hernandez and Jada Hunter launch a frantic search after receiving a faint distress signal. The scene where they break into the crypt is one of the most suspenseful segments of the week – the clock ticks down every second as the toxic gas spreads. When they finally break down the door, viewers hold their breath as they see Theo lying motionless, his pulse so weak it seems to have stopped.

Paulina, upon hearing the news of her son’s critical condition, collapses at the police station. The scene of her crying out, “Please, save my son!” is heartbreaking for everyone watching. All of Salem follows the news from the hospital, where Marlena Evans once again must fight to keep a young soul alive.