Samantha's POV
My shock of terror came from the footfall echoing down the little passageway. The person approaching was not trying to keep silent. The cacophony was purposefully almost taunting. My mind running with possibilities, I held the ancient leather diary to my chest.
Alex moved in front of me, his body stiff and his eyes looking about the dark room for a hiding place or exit. His voice almost audible, he said, "Get ready to move." We bolt if they get too close.
I nodded, tightening the notebook as my pulse accelerated. The air was heavy with expectancy, and I couldn't get rid of the impression that this place—the archive, the secrets buried here—was not simply a part of Royce's past. It was a component in a far more extensive web we were only starting to sort through.
The ent
