The words on the laptop screen seemed to burn into everyone’s minds.
THEY’RE ALREADY INSIDE THE LIGHTHOUSE.
Captain Ryan snapped into action.
“Everyone move!”
Marcus grabbed the laptop and slipped it into his backpack.
“Ethan, take the Project Harbor file.”
“Rebecca, stay between me and Zach.”
Ryan led the group back through the hidden tunnel.
Every footstep echoed through the narrow passage.
The air suddenly felt colder.
Heavier.
As if the lighthouse itself were holding its breath.
⸻
Upstairs…
At the entrance to the underground stairwell, Officer Daniels frowned.
He had been left behind to guard the trapdoor while the others searched below.
His radio crackled.
Static.
Then a whisper.
“…Daniels…”
He froze.
“Who’s there?”
Silence.
He scanned the empty room with his fl
