Nathan’s boots disappeared into the dark shaft, leaving a trail of gray dust behind.

I was alone in the dark with four five-year-olds, a flashlight, and the sound of burning steel.

I turned off the flashlight to save the battery, plunging us into total darkness.

The darkness swallowed us completely, save for the pulsing red glow of the keypad near the door.

The grinding outside stopped suddenly, leaving a heavy, ringing silence in its wake.

For a brief, agonizing second, there was only the wind howling against the outer walls of the mansion.

I held my breath, listening for Nathan’s movements in the ceiling.

I heard the dull scraping of his belt buckle against the metal duct above us.

Then, a heavy thud shook the door.

They were testing the strength of the weakened metal.

“Is someone trying to get in?” Sophie whispered, her voice cracking.

“Shh,” I said, pressing her head against my shoulder. “Remember the game.”

Another thud echoed, louder this time.

The red light on the keypad flickered, turning a solid, mocking green for a split second before dying completely.