I reached down to grab it, but before I could press the button, the screen on my phone, sitting on the bedside table, lit up with a bright, blue notification.

It was an automated alert from the estate’s main gate security system.

My eyes locked on the text on the screen.

*WARNING: SECONDARY VEHICLE DETECTED AT NORTH SUB-STATION. GUEST PASSCODE ACTIVATED: VANESSA CALDWELL.*

I stared at the glowing screen as the wood of the bedroom door began to splinter behind us.

Another heavy blow struck the door, and the sound of cracking pine echoed through the high ceilings.

“Emma, grab Sophie’s hand,” I whispered, my voice shaking as I reached for the heavy brass latch of the connecting door.

“Lily, stay close to Grace.”

The girls scrambled in the dim light, their small hands trembling as they gripped each other.

The walkie-talkie in my coat pocket buzzed again, a low static hiss before Marcus Vale’s voice cut through.

“Elena, do not use the main stairs,” Marcus warned, his tone flat and urgent. “Vance has bypassed the lower lobby sensors. I am moving to your position now.”