The upstairs hallway was narrow and dim, lit only by the soft yellow glow of a single lamp. The party below had dissolved into silence, leaving behind the faint hum of the old refrigerator and the occasional whisper of wind against the windows.

Elena stumbled as Logan pushed her forward. Cyrus followed behind her like a shadow, his fingers brushing against the small of her back. Dean closed the distance at her side, his hand firm around her wrist. Their steps echoed on the hardwood floor, slow ...