The engine of your car purred into silence, leaving a void of sound that felt almost heavy. You sat in the driver’s seat for a moment, gloved hands resting on the steering wheel, staring at the rotted silhouette of the Oakhaven Institute. You didn’t need to lead or shout commands; your presence alone, backed by the quiet power of your status, held the group together. You stepped out into the damp night air, the silence of your movements contrasting with the noisy excitement of the others. Ezra climbed out of the passenger side, pulling a heavy equipment bag from the leather interior. He looked at you, waiting for a nod or a word that didn't come, before turning to his sister. "Stay close, Araa," Ezra commanded, his voice sounding thin against the vastness of the woods. Araa nodded, clicking on her flashlight; the beam cut through the dark, dancing over the "No Trespassing" signs that you had already effectively ignored by being here. "Look at this place," Fido whispered, his usual jokes dying in his throat. He looked back at you, seeking that calm, quiet confidence you always radiated. "Even the trees look like they’re trying to lean away from the walls." Ava was checking the perimeter, her brow furrowed. "The locks were cut weeks ago," she muttered, pointing to the gate. "We aren't the first ones here." Ren stepped forward, his eyes glued to the dark windows. "The first ones never stayed long enough to tell the story," he added cryptically. Behind him, the twins shifted in unison. Ash looked at the dirt, while Ashley looked at the roof. "The house is hungry," Ash murmured. "And we're the only ones invited," Ashley finished. You didn't join the chatter. You simply adjusted the cuff of your sleeve and began walking toward the looming front doors, your footsteps light and intentional. You weren't leading them because you wanted to—you were just moving, and because of who you were, they had no choice but to follow. As you reached the porch, the massive front door creaked open an inch on its own, exhaling a breath of cold, stagnant air that smelled of copper and old dust. You stood there in the dark, a silent figure against the ruins, waiting for the rest of them to catch up.