4: Justin.

“It’s okay.” I try to keep my voice even because I can feel the tremble in her arms and back.

“I’m sorry, I…” She tries to push against my chest, but I keep my arms firm.

“No need to be sorry. Are you having trouble with your door?” I nod over to it and the key in her hand. There’s emergency lighting in the hall, but it’s minimal.

“The stupid thing won’t scan.”

“Why don’t you come in here until the generators kick on?”

When she nods, I feel a sense of relief that I wasn’t expecting.

“How do you know there are generators?”

My hotel room door closes automatically as I curve my arm around her waist and lead her through the pitch-black hallway.

“A hotel like this has them. It’s just a matter of time before the power is back on and we’re on to the next activity in today’s itinerary.”

She lets out a humorless laugh. “You must be dying for the beachside limbo in this weather.”

As if on cue, another round of thunder sounds in the distance. Eris’s muscles tense, and I try to take her mind off