Each alert another domino falling somewhere out in the country.
Inside the cabin the air feels heavy.
Boone and Adam are arguing quietly near the table while Russ monitors the radio channels.
The Architect’s voice still echoes in my head.
I’m accelerating the inevitable.
My chest feels tight.
I step away from the laptop.
“I need air.”
Boone looks up immediately.
“You okay?”
“Just need a minute.”
He studies me for a moment like he wants to argue.
Then nods.
“Don’t go far.”
“I won’t.”
I grab my jacket and step out onto the porch.
Cold air rushes over me.
Sharp.
Clean.
The mountains stretch dark and silent beyond the trees.
For a moment I just breathe.
Trying to slow my heartbeat.
Trying to think.
The wind moves through the pines like whispers across the valley.
And then—
A twig snaps behind me.
I turn.
Too late.
Something slams into my back.
Hands grab my arms.
