“Alexander!” I tried to scream.

But my throat was too dry, and only a hoarse gasp came out.

“Dad!” Ethan cried, his voice muffled by the wet wool.

The door was built to withstand an intrusion.

It was reinforced with steel plates, designed to protect the family from outside threats.

Now, those same security measures were keeping us trapped inside.

Another heavy blow struck the door, and the wood around the lock began to splinter.

The fire was creeping closer, the heat drying out the wet blanket on my back.

I held Ethan as tightly as I could, waiting for the door to give.

The phone screen on the floor suddenly lit up one more time.

This time, there was no video.

A single text message appeared on the display from the unknown sender.

My eyes widened as I read the words flashing in the dark.

Some secrets are meant to burn, Elena.

The words stared back at me from the bright screen.

The phone screen flickered twice, then went completely black.

A violent, ear-splitting crack echoed from the center of the heavy study door.