Emily’s POV

The black plastic card felt like a burning coal in my hand.

I didn't wait for the receptionist to ask another question. I snatched the keycard off the polished marble counter, spun on my heel, and practically threw myself behind a massive stone pillar near the main hallway.

"Ethan, look!" Lila's voice echoed through the lobby, loud and bright. "They have a waterfall wall near the elevators!"

"Yeah, pretty cool," Ethan said. His voice sounded painfully close—maybe twenty feet away. "Hey... is that Emily?"

My heart stopped. I pressed my back against the cold marble pillar, squeezing my eyes shut.

"Where?" Sophia asked.

"Right there by the desk,"...