~HAZEL~

"What is that?" I ask Ashton, my voice unable to hide the fear that I felt upon hearing the sound. "What are they planning now?" The weight of uncertainty presses down on me.

He stiffens instantly, muscles tensing as if readying for confrontation, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "I knew the calm was too good to be true," he mutters under his breath, a flicker of unease crossing his face as he listens intently for any signs of danger.

Suddenly, I can hear the announcement ...