The air was heavy with anticipation as the team dispersed from the evening gathering. Soft music still floated from the dining hall, but most of the staff had retired to their rooms, exhausted yet curious about what the next day at Avalon Resort might hold.
Karen stood by the wide balcony outside her room, the resort's forested landscape stretching endlessly into shadows. The moonlight carved a silvery glow over the leaves, but something about the silence felt...off.
Just as she turned to head inside, a rustle behind the shrubs caught her attention. Her breath hitched.
She squinted into the darkness, but it was gone. Maybe it was just the wind—or a squirrel. She shook off the chill creeping up her spine and closed the balcony door.
Meanwhile, Alex paced his suite.
Luca leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You've been tense all evening," he noted.
"I don't like this place," Alex said plainly. "It's too quiet."
Luca raised an eyebrow. "You agreed to this retreat."
"I agreed because she needed the break," Alex snapped, and then sighed. "But something's wrong. My gut doesn't lie."
Luca's expression shifted. "You think she's in danger?"
Alex ran a hand through his hair. "Not now, but soon. I don't know why, but I want eyes on her at all times. Discreetly."
Luca nodded. "I'll handle it."
The next morning came with soft sunlight filtering through the drapes. Karen stirred slowly, yawning as she sat up. There was a small card by her nightstand, one she hadn't seen the night before.
It read: 'Welcome to your escape, enjoy it while it lasts'.
Her heart skipped. She looked around her room. Door locked, balcony untouched, nothing out of place.
She clutched the note tightly and headed to the breakfast area.
At the breakfast hall, Carla was already sipping coffee, eyes lighting up as Karen approached.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Carla teased.
Karen forced a smile. "Did you... leave me a note last night?"
Carla frowned. "No. Why?"
Karen hesitated, then slid the card across the table. Carla's expression changed instantly.
"Karen... this isn't funny."
"I'm not joking," Karen whispered. "I found it right beside me this morning."
Before Carla could respond, Alex walked in. His eyes scanned the room until they locked with Karen's. He walked straight to her.
"You okay?" he asked, too serious for such a casual setting.
She hesitated "Can we talk privately?"
Outside, Karen handed Alex the note. The more he read, the colder his expression grew. Without a word, he called Luca.
"Double the security," Alex said in a low voice. "I want a full sweep of this resort. Now."