The projector’s glare cut off mid-frame, plunging the room into black. The sudden absence of light was violent in its own way—like having breath snatched from their lungs. Silence followed, so complete it made the faint hum in the walls feel louder, the subtle scrape of air vents like whispers they weren’t supposed to hear.

Celine blinked, trying to force her eyes to adjust, but the darkness refused to yield. Her hand brushed against the door, fingers trailing along the seam until she ...