I tapped it twice, and the blue light flared to life, illuminating the entryway.

*ENTER MASTER CODE TO DISABLE NIGHT MODE,* the screen read.

My fingers were shaking so violently I could barely aim.

I entered the first three digits.

Above me, I heard the heavy, rapid thud of Nathan’s footsteps starting down the stairs.

“Don’t do it, Claire!” he shouted.

I pressed the fourth digit.

The stairs creaked loudly as he rounded the landing.

I pressed the fifth digit.

Only one more.

I reached for the final number, but my thumb slipped, hitting the wrong key.

The panel beeped shrilly.

*INCORRECT CODE. TWO ATTEMPTS REMAINING before system lockout.*

I froze as the red warning text flashed on the screen.

Nathan’s shadow appeared on the wall at the foot of the stairs.

He was only seconds away.

My phone, still recording in my left hand, vibrated with a sudden, incoming call notification.

The bright screen lit up my face in the dark hall.

Nathan stopped at the base of the stairs, his eyes locked on the glowing device in my hand.