Bright, white high-beams cut through the trees, sweeping across the front of the cabin.

The sound of multiple heavy engines idling filled the air.

I froze, my hand hovering over the lock.

Julian spun around, his gun raised.

Arthur stirred on the floor, letting out a weak groan.

The lights outside flickered as a vehicle door slammed.

Then another.

And another.

Through the broken window, a voice boomed through a megaphone, distorted by the rain.

“Federal Bureau of Investigation!” the voice called out.

“Federal agents!”

“We have the perimeter secured!”

“Come out with your hands up!”

Julian looked at me, his face suddenly tense.

“They’re early,” he whispered.

“They shouldn’t be here yet.”

I looked at my phone.

A new message was blinking on the screen.

It was from an unknown number.

The text was simple.

*We are outside. Open the door, Clara.*

I looked back at Julian, then down at Arthur.

The game had changed again.

I took a deep breath and reached for the lock.

The brass lock clicked under my thumb.

I pulled the heavy wood door backward, letting the cold, wet wind rush into the cabin.