The lights went out.
For one second, the room was completely silent.
Then Elena’s phone vibrated.
I AM THE KEEPER.
Adrian saw the message.
His expression hardened.
“Everyone move.”
Victor grabbed the emergency lantern.
Evelyn reached for Elena’s hand.
Then came the sound from outside.
A car door slammed.
Another.
Then another.
Adrian went still.
“How many?”
Victor listened.
“Four vehicles.”
A faint beam of light crossed the curtains.
Then another.
Elena’s stomach tightened.
“They found us.”
Adrian nodded.
“Yes.”
Marcus appeared at the doorway, his injury still healing but his weapon already in his hand.
“How long?”
Adrian looked toward the windows.
“Not long enough.”
A gunshot shattered the glass.
Everyone dropped.
The lantern went out.
“Back exit,” Adrian ord
